Text Messaging and Computer-based Interviewing (CBI): Viable Methods for Clinical Data Collection in Young Diabetics

Presented by Stephen Greene, MB, BS, FRCP
Session IV – Computers and Diabetes
Saturday, October 30, 2004

Reviewed by Joelle Escoffery, PhD

One challenge facing the healthcare professional treating patients with diabetes is patient motivation. New communication technologies provide exciting opportunities to increase support for patients with diabetes. Although many healthcare professionals make the assumption that providing patients with self-management information will result in patient behavior change, the relationship is far more complex and is mediated by a variety of factors, including self-efficacy.

In order to enhance patient support and improve self-efficacy, the “Sweet Talk” text messaging support program was initiated. The program included a motivation and goal-setting component, automated messaging based on patient profile, and intervention delivery using text messaging. After one year in the program, A1C levels dropped approximately 1% (from 10% to 9.2%). Additionally, it was shown that mild hypoglycemia was more common than previously thought. In short, this program was an effective way to collect epidemiological data and deliver an intervention. When creating a program of this type, program content, program design, and the platform used should be considered.