Adherence to the Data Submission Protocol in a Diabetes Telehealth Service Pre and Post Deployment of an Adherence Optimization Module

Abstract

Background: Telehealth services for chronic diseases are becoming more and more popular since they are expected to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Especially for diabetes patients, life-long disease management is required. However, there are situations in a patient’s life, when motivation to continue the participation in disease management programs is low and the dropout-risk is high. Objectives: We analysed if an adherence management module provided to healthcare professionals within a pre-existing diabetes telehealth service can improve the long-term adherence. Methods: The adherence to the agreed data submission protocol was determined prior and post implementation of the adherence management module. Results: Adherence to the agreed data submission protocol was higher after implementation of the adherence management module as compared to previous years. Conclusion: Adherence to the agreed data submission protocol can be improved by helping healthcare professionals to identify patients at risk of dropout. Further analyses are indicated to proof these results in a prospective study.