A Virtual Training Program for the Tandem t:slim X2 Insulin Pump: Implementation and Outcomes.

Area of Science:

• Diabetes Technology
• Medical Education
• Digital Health

Background:

• Traditional insulin pump training is in-person.
• The COVID-19 pandemic required a shift to virtual training for the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump.
• A new virtual training curriculum was developed and implemented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a newly developed virtual insulin pump training curriculum.
• To compare virtual training outcomes with traditional in-person training.
• To assess user satisfaction and confidence levels post-training.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of over 23,000 insulin pump training sessions (January 1, 2020 - July 28, 2020).
• The virtual training curriculum included: t:simulator app preparation, teach-back method via video, and automated data uploads.
• Comparison of sensor time-in-range, user satisfaction, and user confidence between virtual and in-person training groups.

Main Results:

• Virtual training resulted in a higher sensor time-in-range (72%) compared to in-person training (67%) up to 6 months post-training.
• Users reported significantly higher satisfaction (4.78 vs. 4.64) and confidence (4.61 vs. 4.47) after virtual training.
• The virtual pump training curriculum was well-received by users.

Conclusions:

• The customized virtual insulin pump training curriculum is safe and effective.
• Virtual training demonstrates superior outcomes in time-in-range, user satisfaction, and confidence compared to in-person training.
• This virtual approach offers a viable and effective alternative for insulin pump education.