Cost-effectiveness of shared telemedicine appointments in young adults with T1D: CoYoT1 trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Young adults(YAs)with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often struggle to achieve glycemic control and maintain routine clinic visits. We aimed to evaluate the societal cost-effectiveness of the Colorado YAswith T1D (CoYoT1) Clinic, an innovative caremodel ofshared medical appointments through home telehealth.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients self-selected into the CoYoT1 (N=42) or usual care (N=39) groups. RESULTS: Within the trial, we foundno significant differences in 9-month quality-adjusted life; however,the control group had a larger decline from baseline inutility than the CoYoT1 group, indicating a quality of life(QoL) benefit of the intervention (difference in difference mean ± SD: +0.04 ± 0.09, P=0.03). There was no significant difference in total costs. The CoYoT1 group had more study-related visits but fewer non-study office visits and hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: The CoYoT1 care model may help YAs with T1D maintain a higher QoLwith no increase in costs.