Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Self-management of chronic disease is increasingly being recognised as an essential tool in chronic disease management. During the pandemic, face-to-face diabetes clinics were suspended, and resources were focussed on delivery of urgent care. A free NHS app was created to virtually deliver information on all aspects of type 1 diabetes management and to support patients in their self-management during an increasingly difficult period. The App included an ‘Alerts’ function to keep patients up to date with changes to the service. The aim of this study is to investigate patient perceptions of the application.

Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was designed by the diabetes team to obtain quantitative data. The survey was performed via “Google Forms” and was piloted with independent medical colleagues in different departments to ensure the questions were relevant and without bias. All patients who were registered on the App were invited to complete the survey over a 4 week period.

Results: 108 patients of the 900 registered users completed the survey. The mean score of patient accessibility to diabetes information and services before using the App was 5.1, and after using the App was 8.8 (P<0.001). 91% of patients would recommend the App, the NPS is +89. 57.2% of patients “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the App helped them schedule and attend their screening appointments, and 73.7% “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the App has improved their self-management of type 1 diabetes.

Conclusion: Overall, patients agree the App has improved accessibility to diabetes information and services and improved self-management of their condition. Patients are likely to recommend the App to friends and family who have diabetes. The authors recommend a free NHS app can be beneficial in delivering patient information in type 1 diabetes and is a useful tool in improving self-management within chronic disease management.