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

HealthSpan Physicians (HSP), an integrated medical system in Northeast Ohio, partnered with the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Greater Cleveland to implement a referral system for the evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) throughout HSP. The YMCA of USA employs a cost-effective, customized version of the original DPP in which coaches take the place of in-house clinical staff. Efficacy of the YMCA DPP was shown earlier in the DEPLOY Study.

To improve outcomes of metrics used in the DEPLOY Study.

Observational study focusing on engagement, persistence, recruitment, and adherence to the DPP. In August 2014, HSP mailed an invitation to 2200 patients identified as both Medicare eligible and at risk of prediabetes to attend no-obligation information sessions about the DPP. After these sessions, YMCA staff called interested participants and asked them to enroll in and to commit to the program. Motivation and reinforcement were provided to patients through YMCA-provided signs, brochures, and posters; the HSP Web site; and in-person conversations with primary care physicians.

Average weight loss at the end of 16 weeks in the program and average retention through Session 9.

Of the 2200 patients contacted, 351 (16.0%) responded by attending the information session, and 228 enrolled in the YMCA DPP (11.3%) and persisted through at least Week 9. This result is an improvement over the 1.7% of eligible enrollees who responded to the DEPLOY Study's mailing.

A marketing approach to implementing the YMCA DPP in an integrated medical system results in excellent outcomes.