Diabetic Pregnant Patients Prefer Digital Glucose Logging To Traditional Paper Glucose Logging [A285]. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holthaus, Emily; Patton, Kathryn; Goodman, Jean R.; Sprawka, Nicole; Alrahmani, Layan; Lal, Ann
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 139(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 82S
• Page End: 82S
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000825700.12191.88
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Recent diabetes research has evaluated use of digital glucose logging and smartphone apps, and suggests improvement in glucose control with the new technology. A quality initiative was implemented in a maternal fetal medicine division at a tertiary care center which transitioned from paper glucose logging to digital glucose logging for diabetic patients. Our objective was to assess patient perspectives of logging methods before and after the change. METHODS: The quality initiative was started in July 2021, when all diabetic patients were instructed on digital glucose logging and communication. The digital log system involved logging glucose values in an app integrated with the electronic medical record and communicating with providers via the electronic medical record. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire both before and after the quality initiative, assessing ease of use, real-time logging, daily compliance, communication quality, and overall satisfaction with paper logging. The scoring system was based on a Likert scale: 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). RESULTS: From July to October 2021, 11 patients transitioned from paper to digital logging and completed both questionnaires. Of those, 88% preferred digital logging. Digital logging had higher scores for ease of use (4 vs. 3.6) and overall satisfaction (3.9 vs. 3.3). Digital logging had lower scores for real-time logging (2.8 vs. 3.1) and effective communication (3.8 vs. 4.1). CONCLUSION: Because of the higher ease of use and satisfaction scores, ultimately digital glucose logging could lead to improved compliance and, thus, better glycemic control during pregnancy.