Adaptation and Feasibility Study of a Digital Health Program to Prevent Diabetes among Low-Income Patients: Results from a Partnership between a Digital Health Company and an Academic Research Team

Abstract EN

Background.

The feasibility of digital health programs to prevent and manage diabetes in low-income patients has not been adequately explored.

Methods.

Researchers collaborated with a digital health company to adapt a diabetes prevention program for low-income prediabetes patients at a large safety net clinic.

We conducted focus groups to assess patient perspectives, revised lessons for improved readability and cultural relevance to low-income and Hispanic patients, conducted a feasibility study of the adapted program in English and Spanish speaking cohorts, and implemented real-time adaptations to the program for commercial use and for a larger trial of in multiple safety net clinics.

Results.

The majority of focus group participants were receptive to the program.

We modified the curriculum to a 5th-grade reading level and adapted content based on patient feedback.

In the feasibility study, 54% of eligible contacted patients expressed interest in enrolling (n=23).

Although some participants’ computer access and literacy made registration challenging, they were highly satisfied and engaged (80% logged in at least once/week).

Conclusions.

Underserved prediabetic patients displayed high engagement and satisfaction with a digital diabetes prevention program despite lower digital literacy skills.

The collaboration between researchers and a digital health company enabled iterative improvements in technology implementation to address challenges in low-income populations.