Kruger DF et al. 2003 "Effect of modem transmission of blood glucose data on telephone consultation time, clinic work flow, and patient satisfaction for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus."
Reference
Kruger DF, White K, Galpern A, et al. Effect of modem transmission of blood glucose data on telephone consultation time, clinic work flow, and patient satisfaction for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. J Am Acad Nurse Pract 2003;15(8):371-375.
Abstract
"PURPOSE: To determine if modem transmission of blood glucose data by patients with gestational diabetes could provide faster communication of results, increased clinic work-flow efficiency, and equivalent accuracy. Participant and health care provider satisfaction with the technique was also assessed. DATA SOURCES: Participants were randomized to the modem group, which used [a modem] to report blood glucose data, or to the control group, which used the telephone to report the data. Telephone consultation time, clinic visit time, and accuracy of data were measured. Participants and health care providers completed satisfaction questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in telephone consultation time, clinic work-flow efficiency, or accuracy were found between the groups. However, both the modem group and clinic staff were highly satisfied with telemedicine transmission of blood glucose data. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Telemedicine is a convenient method for monitoring patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. As a result of this study, modem transmission was instituted in our clinic for insulin pump patients interested in using modem technology."
Objective
"To determine if modem transmission of blood glucose data by patients with gestational diabetes could provide faster communication of results, increased clinic work-flow efficiency, and equivalent accuracy, and also to assess participant and health care provider satisfaction."
Tools Used
Type Clinic
Specialty care
Type Specific
Endocrinology and metabolism
Size
Large
Geography
Urban
Type of Health IT
Telemedicine
Context or other IT in place
A blood glucose meter that permits the transmission of data through the modem was already in place.
Workflow-Related Findings
No significant differences in mean telephone consultation time or length of clinic visit were found for the two groups.
No significant difference in the accuracy of the blood glucose data was found between the groups.
"Participants in the modem group reported that they liked the convenience of transmitting their blood glucose results to the clinic by modem, that the modem saved them time, and that it resulted in more accurate data transmission."
Health providers and "clinic staff were also very satisfied with the accuracy of the blood glucose data provided by the ... system and the complementary
modem technology."
modem technology."
"Health care providers stated that receiving blood glucose data by modem was more efficient than receiving it by telephone. They also stated modem transmission allowed them more time for subject interaction during the telephone consultations, increasing clinic work-flow efficiency."
Study Design
Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Study Participants
Seventy-two participants agreed to enter the study and were randomized by block randomization into two groups. Both groups of patients self-tested their blood glucose. The length of time each participant was in the study varied depending on when in her pregnancy she was diagnosed.