Examining the Feasibility of Delivering a Multi-Component Virtual Lifestyle Medicine Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The virtual delivery of lifestyle medicine programs (e.g., via web-conferencing platforms) can increase program accessibility for adults living with type 2 diabetes (T2D). PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of virtually delivering a multi-component group-based lifestyle medicine program that uses wearable technologies and exercise prescriptions in an adult population with T2D. METHODS: This was a six-week, single-cohort feasibility study. The virtual lifestyle medicine program included live-video delivery of group education classes, one-on-one exercise counselling phone calls, flash glucose monitors, wearable activity monitors, and exercise prescriptions. Several feasibility outcomes were assessed including recruitment and retention rates, acceptability (e.g., exit survey), and adherence (e.g., group education class attendance). Data are reported descriptively. RESULTS: Ten participants with T2D were recruited (60% female, 50 ± 15 (SD) years, mean A1c 6.7 ± 0.5 %). Recruitment and retention rates were 29% and 80%, respectively. Most participants (89%) were ‘satisfied’/‘very satisfied’ with the program. There were 3.2 ± 2.6 technology ‘issues’ reported per person, mostly related to study data transfer. Participants attended 83% and 93% of group education classes and one-on-one exercise counselling phone calls, respectively. CONCLUSION: The virtual delivery of a multi-component group-based lifestyle medicine program for adults living with T2D is feasible, however, several study protocol and interventions refinements are recommended before conducting a larger trial.