Diabetes Management Through Remote Patient Monitoring: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Program Enrollment and Attrition

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Digital Health
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is increasingly used for diabetes care, but enrollment and attrition factors are understudied.
• Few studies have examined the reasons for patient participation or dropout in RPM programs for diabetes management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing enrollment and attrition in a remote patient monitoring program for diabetes management.
• To identify patient characteristics and feedback related to participation, withdrawal, and completion of RPM interventions.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews.
• Comparison of patient groups (completed, withdrew, declined) using chi-squared and t-tests.
• Logistic regression identified factors associated with dropout, while thematic analysis explored patient feedback.

Main Results:

• Out of 1993 patients invited, 13% declined, 16% withdrew, and 71% completed the RPM intervention.
• Younger age and poorer baseline health (higher blood glucose/blood pressure) correlated with higher withdrawal rates.
• Insufficient time was the primary reason cited for declining or withdrawing from the RPM program.

Conclusions:

• Younger patients and those with poorer baseline health face higher risks of withdrawing from RPM programs.
• RPM programs should adapt to patient needs, potentially offering incentives or more information to improve retention.
• Tailoring interventions to vulnerable populations can enhance engagement and success in remote diabetes management.