Integrating Technology and Interventions in the Management of Diabetes

Abstract

This article concerns the implementation of a technology-enabled disease management program for diabetes in a mixed-model health plan in central Massachusetts: the Fallon Community Health Plan. The program was developed by LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc. on the basis of its very successful congestive heart failure program. Results reported in this article essentially cover the first year of program implementation. This program represents one of the earlier efforts by a company dedicated to leveraging technologies to both enhance the effectiveness of disease management interventions and also reduce the cost of implementation. The positive results reported with regard to clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes support the concept that technology-based disease management programs can be effective. Importantly, the results were achieved from a health plan that had already been recognized for the quality of its care programs. A survey completed in October 1999 by US News and World Report recognized the Fallon Community Health Plan as the leading health plan in the US. On the basis of results achieved to date, together with the continued penetration of internet use by the public, technology-enabled disease management programs, such as that implemented at Fallon, will greatly aid efforts to better manage a rapidly growing chronically ill population.