Text-Messaging to Support Diabetes Self-Management in a Rural Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project

Summary

This quality improvement project implemented an interactive, bi-directional text messaging program using CareMessage to support diabetes self-management in a rural health clinic. The intervention successfully lowered patients' average blood sugar levels, showing that mobile technology is a feasible and sustainable way to improve diabetes care.

Key Findings

• After the intervention, the average finger stick blood glucose (FSBG) level across all participants combined (the aggregate mean) was reduced by 11.3%
• The percentage of "yes" responses to daily medication and blood sugar monitoring questions increased each month, indicating improved self-care behaviors over time.
• The text messages included daily reminders and weekly educational tips on diet and exercise.

Clinical Significance

This project proves that mobile health technology is a powerful tool for improving health outcomes in rural and underserved communities. By using the CareMessage platform, the clinic provided consistent support and education that led to a measurable improvement in patients' glycemic control, promoting better self-management between office visits.

CareMessage Product Features

Outreach

Citation

Russell, N. M., Vess, J., Durham, C., & Johnson, E. (2017). Text-Messaging to Support Diabetes Self-Management in a Rural Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 21(2).