Abstract
Objective: A novel, culturally sensitive shared medical appointment (SMA) pilot program was evaluated as a continuing model of care for high risk Spanish speaking Latino patients (LP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We examined retention and outcomes of participants one year after the pilot research intervention ended.
Methods: Changes in outcomes for LP in the SMA from the end of the funded pilot program (year 3) to the first year post-intervention (year 4) were assessed. Retention rates, A1c and diabetes technology uptake (insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM)) were recorded for children (<12 years) and teens (12+ years).
Results: Of the 75 LP enrolled by the end of the funded study period, 64 (85.3%) continued with at least one visit in the SMA in year 4. Average A1c decreased from year 3 to 4, but did not achieve statistical significance (-0.4± 0.3; p=0.128). Teens and children showed a significant increase in insulin pump use in from baseline to Year 4 (Teens: n=35, 26%; p=0.008), (Children: n=12, 75%; p=0.008). Teens and children showed a significant increase in CGM use from baseline to Year 4 (Teens: n=35, 34%; p=0.001) (Children: n=12, 75%; p=0.008).
Conclusions: The novel culturally sensitive SMA model demonstrated to be a well-received program for high-risk Spanish speaking LP youth with high retention rates one year after research concluded. Participants continued to demonstrate increase uptake of diabetes technologies. Additional studies of the effects of the SMA on glycemic control are needed.
Disclosure
R. Jensen: None. K. Campbell: None. L. Pyle: None. A. Gerard Gonzalez: None.
Funding
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (2015PG-T1D060)