Implementation of the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program throughout an Integrated Health System: A Translational Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Systems Management

Background:

• The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an evidence-based intervention to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
• The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) offers a cost-effective, customized version of the DPP.
• Previous studies, like the DEPLOY Study, demonstrated the efficacy of the YMCA DPP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a referral system for the YMCA DPP within an integrated medical system (HealthSpan Physicians - HSP).
• To improve recruitment, engagement, persistence, and adherence metrics for the DPP.
• To evaluate the outcomes of a marketing-driven approach for DPP implementation.

Main Methods:

• An observational study was conducted involving Medicare-eligible patients at risk for prediabetes.
• HSP mailed invitations to 2200 patients, leading to information sessions.
• YMCA staff managed enrollment, providing ongoing motivation and reinforcement through various channels.

Main Results:

• 16.0% of contacted patients (351) attended information sessions.
• 11.3% of contacted patients (228) enrolled and persisted through at least Week 9.
• This response rate significantly surpassed the 1.7% seen in the DEPLOY Study's mailing.

Conclusions:

• A targeted marketing approach effectively implemented the YMCA DPP within an integrated medical system.
• The strategy yielded excellent outcomes in patient recruitment and program persistence.
• This model demonstrates a successful method for scaling evidence-based preventive health programs.