Use of an app to improve Diabetes T1 patient experience & education

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Excelicare myCarepod: a feasibility study of the use of a mobile app to improve self-management of Type 1 Diabetes

  • IRAS ID

    232420

  • Contact name

    James Boyle

  • Contact email

    jamesboyle1@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Research and Development Management Office

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 9 months, 6 days

  • Research summary

    This study is funded through an open innovation call by the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and Scottish Enterprise to provide innovative solutions to Type 1 (T1) Diabetes education. It aims to assess the effectiveness of using an app (myCarepod Diabetes Edition) to assist patients, particularly Young Adults (YA) who are transitioning to independent care, in managing their T1 diabetes using personalised, targeted health education information and links.

    It is a multi-centre study across a number of NHS Scotland Health Boards, involving up to 100 T1 participants (predominantly YA) who will be recruited by their diabetes consultant or nurse, and encouraged to use the app on a daily basis over a 3 to 6-month period. The app allows them to record a Diabetes Diary and a Hypo Diary, as well as integrating to their NHS healthcare record, select glucose meters, fitness trackers and online social media accounts. The app includes specific algorithms and rules developed for the project that can identify patterns of behaviour and deliver targeted educational content or specific insulin management advice.

    The primary objective of this study is therefore to assess the safety, acceptability and utility of the myCarepod-Diabetes app for people with Type 1 Diabetes, as an educational intervention to improve their knowledge, attitudes and self-care, and in preparation for future CE marking of the software as a Medical Device.

    A secondary objectives of the study is to provide power calculations for any future larger trial of clinical and cost effectiveness.

    Assessment will include independent review by the Glasgow Clinical Trials Unit, statistical analysis of both lab test and blood glucose meter result data, and subjective reviews using existing standardised Diabetes and Mobile Healthcare App assessments, pre and post study.

  • REC name

    West of Scotland REC 5

  • REC reference

    18/WS/0042

  • Date of REC Opinion

    26 Mar 2018

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion