Real-world digitally based diabetes management program implementation by a large employer.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the implementation of a digitally based diabetes management program by a large, self-insured employer in Minnesota from May 2021 to April 2022.

Study design: Descriptive analysis.

Methods: We described the development, implementation, and effectiveness of a communications strategy to promote program enrollment in the initial year. Using administrative claims data, we analyzed the demographic and clinical attributes associated with an eligible member's enrollment. Finally, we empirically assessed whether expanding the choice of modalities through which enrollees accessed diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) increased overall utilization and addressed geographic disparities.

Results: Although digital health program applications responded to the timing of the communications campaigns, overall program enrollment in absolute terms was low compared with the size of the eligible population. Among those eligible, female and employee subscribers were more likely to enroll. Overall, DSMES use increased slightly during the initial year, but we did not observe significantly higher rates of use among members in rural areas following the digital health program launch.

Conclusions: This study offers new insights to employers and health plans related to supporting digitally based disease management program implementation and enrollee engagement.