A novel RCT tested the efficacy of a technology-assisted case management (TACM) program in a low-income, rural population previously where nurses titrated medication over the phone instead of in a clinic. The primary analysis showed significant improvement in glycemic control at 6-months post-randomization dropping HbA1c by 1%. This study aimed to test if the intervention was also effective at dropping blood pressure without compromising quality of life. One hundred and thirteen adults with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c>= 8%) were randomly assigned to the TACM intervention or usual care. Participants received a two-in-one telehealth system to monitor glycemic and blood pressure control, which uploaded daily to a central server. A nurse case manager was trained to titrate medication under the supervision of an internist and an endocrinologist every 2 weeks based on the readings. Outcomes were blood pressure and quality of life (SF-12) at 6-months. Baseline adjusted mixed models using a random intercept were used to evaluate change at 6-months for the TACM intervention group compared to usual care. There were no statistically significant differences in systolic blood pressure, physical component of quality of life, or mental component of quality of life between the TACM and control group. However, there was a significant change in diastolic blood pressure over time, with the TACM group decreasing at 6-month (p=0.02), whereas the control group remained stable (p=0.53). Diastolic blood pressure decreased 5.22 mm Hg at 6-months in the TACM group (p=0.04). Technology-assisted case management by a nurse with medication titration under physician supervision was efficacious in improving diastolic blood pressure without compromising quality of life in low-income rural adults with diabetes.
L.E. Egede: None. R.G. Knapp: None. R.J. Walker: None. E. Garacci: None. J.S. Williams: None.
U.S. Department of Defense (W81XWH-10-2-0057)
