Cost-effectiveness of Shared Telemedicine Appointments in Young Adults With T1D: CoYoT1 Trial.

Abstract

Young adults 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 young adults with T1D (CoYoT1) Clinic, an innovative care model of shared medical appointments through home telehealth. Patients self-selected into the CoYoT1 (<i>N</i> = 42) or usual care (<i>N</i> = 39) groups. Within the trial, we found no significant differences in 9-month quality-adjusted life; however, the control group had a larger decline from baseline in utility than the CoYoT1 group, indicating a quality of life (QoL) benefit of the intervention (difference in difference mean ± SD: 0.04 ± 0.09; <i>P</i> = 0.03). <b>There was no significant difference in total costs. The CoYoT1 group had more study-related visits but fewer nonstudy office visits and hospitalizations.</b> CONCLUSIONS: The CoYoT1 care model may help young adults with T1D maintain a higher QoL with no increase in costs.