The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, a non-profit that funds clinical effectiveness research, has awarded the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine with $11.4 million to lead a study into how primary care can help patients with physical disabilities, who also have Type 2 diabetes or other chronic diseases, best manage their health.

The multisite study will compare the effectiveness of digital health coaching, remote patient monitoring and a combination of these options for improving blood sugar levels in people living with physical disabilities, Type 2 diabetes, and at least one other cardiometabolic or cardiorenal comorbidity, such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, cancer or chronic kidney disease.

Telehealth programs, including digital health coaching and remote patient monitoring, are increasingly used, especially for those who have limited access to in-person health care. However, more information is needed to demonstrate which option — or a combination of these interventions — is the most effective.

This trial will randomly divide participants into three groups to test different interventions for six months.

The group that receives remote patient monitoring will have a healthcare team checking and managing their blood sugar remotely. Participants will be provided the necessary devices and a mobile Wi-Fi data plan to transmit the data. If a patient’s blood sugar remains elevated for a long period of time, a healthcare provider will offer guidance.

A second group will receive digital health coaching, which involves one-on-one weekly phone calls with a health coach. This approach offers personalized support for participants on managing Type 2 diabetes, including advice on nutrition, exercise and taking medications.

Finally, a third group will receive a combination of both the remote patient monitoring and digital health coaching programs.

This multisite trial will partner with health systems across the Deep South — UAB, the University of Mississippi Medical Center and LSU Health. Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana currently rank near the bottom of all states for health outcomes, and have some of the country’s highest rates of diabetes and multiple chronic illnesses.