The Influence of Digital Affinity on the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Choice by People With Type 1 Diabetes.

Abstract

Since several years, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems became a standard of care in patients with intensified conventional treatment (ICT) in many countries. CGM results in an ongoing record of digital information that provides an added value to patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and healthcare providers, among others. This implies the patient's acceptance of data analyses and storage and an adjustment on self-management. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of digital affinity on the CGM use and the choice of a particular system. In a quantitative survey 2102 patients with T1D were interviewed via an online questionnaire. The study is based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). Self-assessment of digital affinity was correlated with various features of CGM use and preferences. Significance of associations and correlations was tested. Digital affinity correlated positively with CGM use for the self-management with ICT. Significant differences were found regarding the use of a particular system suggesting a correlation between digital affinity and the complexity of CGM data portrayal and interconnectivity with smart devices (eg, smartwatches). While suppliers of CGM systems focus on progress regarding the ease of use of their systems, they also provide a developing interconnectivity with smart devices and cloud-based data storage. This requires a higher digital affinity among users. While factors such as recommendations by physicians and coverage by health insurance companies have an impact on the system choice, the data demonstrate a correlation between digital affinity and particular CGM systems.