CP24 - The Influence of Meal Delivery on Engagement in a Digital Health Coaching Program
11:23pm - 11:23pm EST - August 18, 2021



CP24 - The Influence of Meal Delivery on Engagement in a Digital Health Coaching Program

Poster Type: Research

Track/Topic: Expanding Access to Care and Other Services

Research Objectives: Digital health coaching (DHC) demonstrates positive outcomes among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), yet engagement rates are often low, particularly among underserved populations with health-related barriers including food insecurity. This retrospective review explored how inclusion of meal delivery influences DHC engagement, focusing on transition from enrollment to program participation.

Research Study Design/Methods: We compared participant data from two payer-provided 12-week T2DM DHC programs. Group 1 (n=597) includes adults with T2DM, largely recruited from financially- and food-insecure communities, who were provided DHC + biweekly meal delivery; Group 2 (n=448) includes adults with T2DM who received DHC only. Both programs provide behavioral and psychosocial support delivered by phone, text and/or email. This analysis focuses on retention between enrollment and the first DHC call. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data including participant retention, demographics and baseline patient reported outcomes (diet, mental health, overall physical health, financial toxicity).

Research Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: Groups 1 and 2 had similar mean age (53 vs. 58), racial/ethnic backgrounds (44% vs. 41% nonwhite) and baseline A1cs (7.23% vs. 7.64%). Diabetes distress (2.80 vs. 2.68), depression (1.43 vs. 0.97), stress (5.32 vs. 5.04), and financial toxicity (20.21 vs. 24.60) were higher in Group 1. Group 1 also reported poorer overall physical health (41.57 vs. 44.46) and consumed fewer weekly healthy meals (5.72 vs. 7.09). Retention from enrollment to the first call was significantly higher in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (93% vs. 75%; pxtagstartz.0001), representing improved engagement from DHC orientation to participation.

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The Influence of Meal Delivery on Engagement in a Digital Health Coaching Program


CP24 - The Influence of Meal Delivery on Engagement in a Digital Health Coaching Program

Poster Type: Research

Track/Topic: Expanding Access to Care and Other Services

Research Objectives: Digital health coaching (DHC) demonstrates positive outcomes among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), yet engagement rates are often low, particularly among underserved populations with health-related barriers including food insecurity. This retrospective review explored how inclusion of meal delivery influences DHC engagement, focusing on transition from enrollment to program participation.

Research Study Design/Methods: We compared participant data from two payer-provided 12-week T2DM DHC programs. Group 1 (n=597) includes adults with T2DM, largely recruited from financially- and food-insecure communities, who were provided DHC + biweekly meal delivery; Group 2 (n=448) includes adults with T2DM who received DHC only. Both programs provide behavioral and psychosocial support delivered by phone, text and/or email. This analysis focuses on retention between enrollment and the first DHC call. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data including participant retention, demographics and baseline patient reported outcomes (diet, mental health, overall physical health, financial toxicity).

Research Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: Groups 1 and 2 had similar mean age (53 vs. 58), racial/ethnic backgrounds (44% vs. 41% nonwhite) and baseline A1cs (7.23% vs. 7.64%). Diabetes distress (2.80 vs. 2.68), depression (1.43 vs. 0.97), stress (5.32 vs. 5.04), and financial toxicity (20.21 vs. 24.60) were higher in Group 1. Group 1 also reported poorer overall physical health (41.57 vs. 44.46) and consumed fewer weekly healthy meals (5.72 vs. 7.09). Retention from enrollment to the first call was significantly higher in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (93% vs. 75%; p<.0001), representing improved engagement from DHC orientation to participation.

Research Conclusions on Impact on Health Centers: These descriptive data provide insights into the role of meal delivery services in DHC program retention. Individuals with T2DM experiencing barriers to health including food insecurity, as measured by the 10-item USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module, reported poorer diet, worse financial toxicity and increased mental and physical health needs. These real-world outcomes suggest food delivery may incentivize participation in a DHC program, which in turn may improve patient reported outcomes and health related quality of life. This may be beneficial for higher risk and underserved T2DM populations who are commonly served by federally qualified health centers.

Authors:

Megan Martin, MPH, Director, Strategic Partnerships and Programs, Pack Health

Blakely O'Connor, PhD, Associate Director, Research/HEOR, Pack Health

Vanessia Tran, MS, Analyst, Pack Health

Matt Allison, Director, Quality Improvement, Pack Health

Dhiren Patel, PharmD, Senior Vice President, Pack Health

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