(M05A) Characteristics of DSMES Use: In-Person and Virtual Delivery Modalities in the Medicaid Population

About 38.1 million adults have diabetes in the US, and 18% of them are not meeting targets, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. Self-management skills and knowledge are essential for individuals with diabetes to overcome daily challenges and to ensure self-efficacy of diabetes care. Despite robust evidence showing the effectiveness of DSMES in in-person and virtual delivery modes, utilization remains low. The expansion of telehealth services during the pandemic makes analyzing DSMES utilization data even more crucial to better understand how these services have changed DSMES utilization in the Medicaid population.

The aim of this study was to better understand the relationship between sociodemographic factors and DSMES utilization among adult Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes by delivery mode. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to examine differences in in-person and virtual DSMES services, focusing particularly on sociodemographic factors. The goal was to obtain actionable data to potentially inform strategies that would increase access to and utilization.

Complete list of authors of the research with names, credentials, and institutional affiliations (a list of authors of the research, not a list of presenters).: Boon Peng Ng, Ph.D., University of Central Florida, College of Nursing and Disability, Aging, and Technology Cluster, College of Medicine; Slun Booppasiri, Ph.D., University of Central Florida, Department of Statistics & Data Science; Alexander Crowell, M.S., Georgetown University, Massive Data Institute at McCourt School of Public Policy; Michelle F. Magee, M.D., Georgetown University, Department of Medicine; Maria L. Alva, Ph.D., Georgetown University, Department of Health Management and Policy.

List all sources of funding for your research. If none, type N/A.: This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (NIH NIMHD; grant number 5R01MD017071).