PDB23 Investigating Internists’ Endocrinologists’ and Paediatricians’ Attitudes in Regards to the VALUE of Innovative Diabetes Mellitus Self-Monitoring Technologies in Greece

Abstract

Innovative technologies of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) contribute significantly to metabolic control and improve quality of life of diabetic patients. In this study, the attitudes of expert physicians regarding the value of innovative glucose self-monitoring technologies in Greece were investigated. Two Advisory Boards (AdB) were set up by Key Opinion Leaders-KOLs (from Academia, National Health System Hospitals and Private Sector): the first consisted of Internists/ Diabetologists (N = 12) and the second consisted of Endocrinologists/Pediatricians (N = 11). Participants were asked to complete a structured questionnaire developed by experts on health services research, in which answers were given through a five-point Likert scale. A common data analysis (taken into consideration both internists/ diabetologists and endocrinologists/pediatricians answers) was conducted using the SPSS.20v. The vast majority of participants (96%) recognized the importance of innovative self-monitoring technologies for the effective management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and was willing to use them in their clinical practice. In particular, 96% of physicians considered as quite/very important the Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) report provided by the FGM technology. Moreover, participants reported that FGM technology contributes to reducing fluctuations in glucose levels (100%), increasing the time in range (TIR) and reducing the time in hypoglycemia (96% of participants). Additionally, the majority of physicians (87%) stated that FGM technology contributes to achieving savings by reducing complications.Thus, 84% of physicians considered FGM technology should be reimbursed for patients with DM2, in addition to patients with DM1.However, participants highlighted the need for further development and improvements of FGM technology (e.g measurement accuracy at off charts values). The vast majority of participants considered the FGM technology as of high value and consequently recommended its coverage by social security schemes for patients with DM.