Telehealth coaching helps rural patients take charge of diabetes care
Managing diabetes often means making dozens of small, important decisions every day. A collaborative study between the University of Mississippi and the Mississippi Diabetes Network found that personalized telehealth coaching can help participants feel more confident making those choices while improving their health.
Diabetes management often requires making numerous small decisions daily. A study conducted by the University of Mississippi and the Mississippi Diabetes Network discovered that personalized telehealth coaching can boost participants' confidence in these choices while enhancing their health. Approximately 1 in 7 Mississippians live with diabetes, ranking the state among the top five for diabetes rates nationwide.
The research, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, revealed that personalized coaching and education through telehealth significantly improved participants' ability to manage diabetes. Caroline Brock, a master's student in public health and co-author of the study, noted that rural areas in Mississippi face significant challenges, including limited access to healthcare, transportation barriers, food insecurity, and fewer opportunities for diabetes education.
To comprehend what makes a diabetes coaching program effective, researchers tracked 27 participants in a Mississippi-based telehealth diabetes self-management education and support program called Diabetes Solutions. The study focused on understanding patients' experiences and not on clinical outcomes such as A1C levels. Catherine Moring, program coordinator for Diabetes Solutions, emphasized the importance of exploring both the clinical and user experiences.
Diabetes diagnosis often comes with unfamiliar terminology and a set of rules for maintaining health. Patients must monitor blood sugar levels, interpret A1C test results, and understand how medication, exercise, and stress affect their daily lives. In Mississippi, many residents live over 30 miles from the nearest clinician, making it difficult to understand their diagnosis and manage the condition effectively.
The study found that patients appreciated the connections and relationships they formed with their coaches, creating an environment where they felt comfortable asking questions. Caroline Brock highlighted that many participants valued having someone who listened without judgment. Many shared that their primary care providers often focused on prescribing medication or telling them what to change, rather than working with them to develop sustainable healthy habits.
Managing diabetes requires daily decision-making, and knowing someone is there to celebrate successes and help navigate setbacks can boost participants' confidence and reduce feelings of isolation. The researchers noted that addressing the lack of access to care, the high prevalence of uncontrolled and undiagnosed diabetes, and the education gap for newly diagnosed patients is crucial in Mississippi.
Catherine Moring stated that everyone who excels at something typically has a coach, and this opportunity can help Mississippians manage their diabetes effectively and improve their overall well-being.
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