Long-term Effects of Remote Patient Monitoring in Patients Living with Diabetes: A Retrospective Look at Participants of the Mississippi Diabetes Telehealth Network Study

INTRODUCTION: Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has demonstrated value as a tool to aid patients in management of their chronic illness in the home. Although the Mississippi Diabetes Telehealth Network Study (MSDTNS) was successful in reducing HbgA1c levels for patients participating in RPM in the Mississippi Delta, the long-term effect of RPM on patients and how to support patients to maintain the treatment effect after discharge remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of an RPM program after the intervention was withdrawn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of patients who completed all phases of the MSDTNS from 2014 to 2016 was performed over a period of 6 months. Data collected included HbgA1c values, demographics, and changes in social determinants of health. RESULTS: Of the 31 participants, African Americans displayed a significant difference in HbgA1c values compared with Caucasians since the end of the MSDTNS. No significant effect of other variables, such as income, marital status, insurance coverage, or age, on the change in HbgA1c values was detected since the end of the original study. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This limited study implies that African Americans are at higher risk for an increase in hemoglobin A1C after the program is completed. More investigation is needed to identify ways to reduce their risk and equalize the long-term effects of RPM on clinical outcomes of patients in rural or underserved communities.