Does human coaching and technology modality impact effectiveness of digital health interventions for diabetes?
While digital health interventions for the management of diabetes have rapidly proliferated, there remains uncertainty about which types of coaching and/or digital technologies are more effective. Digital technologies can include text messaging, email, phone-based or videoconference platforms, websites or portals, and smartphone apps. Types of coaching can include synchronous communication, such as real-time phone calls and video calls, or real-time communication via smartphone app chat; and asynchronous communication, such as text messages, emails and web portals. Coaching can also differ in intensity of support, with high intensity involving frequent, personalised, data-driven coaching, compared to low intensity coaching, which is delayed, generic, and infrequent. The aim of this evidence summary is: Does human coaching and technology modality impact effectiveness of digital health interventions for diabetes?
Authors
Dr Olivia Metcalf, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne
Dr Kimberly Cukier, Endocrinologist, Barwon Health
