The Effectiveness of Virtual Training on the MiniMed™ 670G System in People with Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged the ability to do face-to-face training on advanced diabetes management technologies. In the United States, Medtronic Diabetes shifted from occasional to 100% virtual training on all diabetes devices in mid-March 2020. We studied the outcomes of virtual training on the MiniMed™ 670 G hybrid closed-loop system in type 1 diabetes. Methods: From March 20, 2020, to April 22, 2020 (intra-COVID-19), virtual training on the MiniMed 670 G system was completed using Zoom with satisfaction captured through online post-training surveys. Training efficiency was measuring by the days between the date of product shipment and the date of the first and final trainings. Patient satisfaction with training on the MiniMed 670 G was determined by Net Promotor Score ® (NPS ® ). Uploads from CareLink™ Personal and CareLink Professional and calls to the Medtronic 24-h technical support team requesting educational/software assistance and/or help with health care provider telehealth visits were recorded. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) results were measured using the CareLink Personal database. All results except for the Zoom satisfaction survey were compared with data from January 20, 2020, to February 22, 2020, (Pre-COVID-19) when training was performed in-person. Results: The CGM metrics were comparable between pre- and intra-COVID-19 training. The Zoom video conferencing application had 98% satisfaction. The NPS rose from 78 to 84. The time between the pump shipment and the first and last (automode) training was significantly reduced from 14 ± 7 days to 11 ± 5 days ( P < 0.001) and from 19 ± 7 days to 15 ± 15 days ( P < 0.01), respectively. There was a decrease in the calls for educational assistance to the technical support team but an increase in requests for login and software installation support. Conclusions: Virtual training of individuals with diabetes on the MiniMed 670 G system resulted in high satisfaction and short-term glycemic results comparable with in-person training.

Changes to care delivery at nine international pediatric diabetes clinics in response to the COVID ‐19 global pandemic

“…Studies of adolescents and adults have shown improvements in HbA1c and time in range 9 . As suggested by some providers in our study, other researchers attributed improvements in glycemic control during COVID‐19 to more parental presence, meals at home, and a more consistent eating pattern 9‐11 …”

Virtual training on the hybrid close loop system in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The spread of COVID 19 has challenged health care systems from all the world [ 5 ]. Given the current contingency, studies consider that the use of teleconsultation has increased by 80% during 2020 [ 6 ]. Therefore, it was necessary to design and evaluate an educational program through virtual platforms for patients planning to start HCL therapy that complies with government regulations [ 7 ] and allows frequent follow-up.…”

“…Vikersky reported Glycemic outcomes data from CareLink™ Personal database from patients who were new to using the MiniMed™ 670 G system during the pre-COVID-19 and the intra-COVID-19 eras. He did not reported the number of patients evaluated, nor the basal TIR in previous therapy, however he found that the TIR was similar in both periods (70.4 vs 68.4%), suggesting than virtual training of individuals results comparable with in-person training [ 6 ]. Our data are consistent with this conclusion, suggesting than the outcomes are at least similar to those reported for face-to-face training.…”

Clouds and Silver Linings: COVID-19 Pandemic Is an Opportune Moment to Democratize Diabetes Care Through Telehealth

“…12 In addition, diabetes technology companies are documenting the successful provision of remote device trainings to people who are transitioning to or need support using their products. 14 However, creating a robust and effective telehealth system that is also equitable remains challenging. This is often because of the impact of external factors and the ripple effect of other intractable societal problems.…”

“…12 In addition, diabetes technology companies are documenting the successful provision of remote device trainings to people who are transitioning to or need support using their products. 14…”