642-P: Identifying Value Propositions to Engage Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Shared Medical Appointments

Abstract

Objective: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects 12% of U.S. adults and is a major public health burden. Shared medical appointments (SMAs) are an effective strategy to deliver diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) alongside medical care, yet recruitment is a common challenge. Enhanced communication strategies have been recommended, while identifying specific messaging to engage patients with T2D remains needed. Methods: The Invested in Diabetes project is a cluster-randomized, pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial of two models of SMAs using an evidence-based DSMES curriculum. To aid recruitment at 22 primary care clinics, a group of patient, practice and research stakeholders used value proposition design strategies to develop tailored messaging on how SMAs can reduce pains and yield gains related to T2D. Patient stakeholders further refined messages to ensure patient-driven language. Here we describe value propositions for patients with newly diagnosed or uncontrolled T2D, diabetes distress, and comorbid conditions, plus concerned others. Results: General messaging emphasized how SMAs may help patients with T2D through expert education, addressing concerns, behavior change strategies, problem-solving, stress-coping skills, normalizing, and peer support. Messaging emphasized respect for autonomy (“you are your best health advocate”) coupled with available support (“you don’t have to go it alone”). For uncontrolled T2D, messages further conveyed opportunities to “finally take control” of T2D. For diabetes distress, messages also conveyed how SMAs may reduce feeling overwhelmed by T2D. Concerned others were encouraged to show support by telling patients about diabetes SMAs. Conclusions: Value proposition themes include how diabetes SMAs can improve T2D control and related stress, which may aid patient engagement. For clinics offering diabetes SMAs, messaging can be delivered by care team members and integrated into various recruitment activities. Disclosure N.D. Ritchie: None. A. Begum: None. J. Dailey-Vail: None. J. Rementer: None. R.A. Koren: None. S.A. Trujillo: None. P. Phimphasone-Brady: None. K.A. Cassidy: None. R. Wearner: None. J. Waxmonsky: None. B. Kwan: None. Funding Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (IHS-1609-36322)