View source for Mobile phone diabetes project led to improved glycemic control and net savings for Chicago plan participants

This is a review of the research article authored by Nundy, S., Dick, J. J., Chou, C. H., Nocon, R. S., Chin, M. H., & Peek, M. E. (2014)





== Introduction ==

Patients with chronic diseases spend additional time in healthcare settings, where resources are directed, instead of around the patients and the community.  Chronic diseases just like diabetes remain a leading cause of preventable morbidity, mortality, and excess costs.  Quality outcomes for these patients are largely determined by the activities they engage in outside of their follow up clinical encounters with their providers.  The activities include taking medications, eating healthy meals, signs and symptoms monitoring, and engaging in regular physical activities.  Because a greater number of patients now have smart phones, mobile phones have been shown to be a promising platform for engaging chronic disease patients in these activities <ref name = "2014, Nundy et al.">Nundy, 2014. Mobile phone diabetes project led to improved glycemic control and net savings for Chicago plan participants http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034376/</ref>.

== Method ==

The authors presented the results of a quasi-experimental (two-group pre-post) study of a behavioral intervention program (called CareSmart) among Chicago health plan participant and non-participant adults with diabetes.  Study was conducted between May 2012 and February 2013.  CareSmart is mobile Health ([[mHealth | mHealth]]) diabetes program that provide self-management support and team-based care management through automated text messages.  The study population included all adult health plan members with diagnosis of Type 1 & 2 diabetes. <ref name = "2014, Nundy et al.">Nundy, 2014. Mobile phone diabetes project led to improved glycemic control and net savings for Chicago plan participants http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034376/</ref>
   
== Results ==

The authors reported 
* Statistically significant improvements in glycemic control and patients’ satisfaction with overall care in mHealth participants. 
* 64% of mHealth participants agreed that phone calls from nurses were helpful for education.  
* 70% of mHealth participants agreed that phone calls from nurses were helpful in the navigation of healthcare.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
* A net cost savings of $437 per mHealth participant and overall total of $32, 388 (8.8% savings) over pre-period costs were reported.  
* The number and cost of outpatient visits for the mHealth participants were significantly reduced. 
* Non-statistical significance decrease in the emergency service and hospital usage and costs.

== Conclusion ==

Mobile Health programs can support the aim of improving patients’ experience, population health and reducing per capita healthcare costs. <ref name = "2014, Nundy et al.">Nundy, 2014. Mobile phone diabetes project led to improved glycemic control and net savings for Chicago plan participants http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034376/</ref>

== Remarks about the article ==

This study is show how mobile technology can be leveraged to make existing health system resources more efficient in supporting chronic disease care. The study also emphasized self-management instead of clinical care.  <ref name = "2014, Nundy et al.">Nundy, 2014. Mobile phone diabetes project led to improved glycemic control and net savings for Chicago plan participants http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034376/</ref>

Technology can be wisely used to create an environment of "care" where patients feel that someone is not just "prescribing" but also is concerned to send personalized messages. This also leads to a better two way communication between the health care team and the patients.

== Related Articles ==
* [[Effect of home telemonitoring on glycemic and blood pressure control in primary care clinic patients with diabetes]]
* [[Effect of Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring and Pharmacist Management On Blood Pressure Control: The HyperLink Cluster Randomized Trial]]

== Reference ==
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[[Category: Reviews]]
[[Category: mHealth]]
[[Category: HI5313-2015-FALL]]
[[Category: HIT]]