HOW HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED PATIENT USE OF DIGITAL TOOLS & DISEASE CONTROL?

New research reveals one in three patients feels more in control of their diabetes with increased use of digital tools to support disease management

27^th January, 2022 – LONDON, UK: New global research of 988 patients with Type 2 Diabetes and 152 healthcare professionals has revealed the impact of greater use of digital tools on diabetes control through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The research led by Bryter, a market research and insights consultancy, reviewed how the pandemic has impacted patients’ ability to remain in control and the actions they and their healthcare teams have taken to help maintain disease control.

Ben Gibbons, Founder and Director, Bryter (US), said, "We've known for some time that the pandemic has rapidly accelerated digital adoption. The question that remained unanswered was how is digital adoption impacting disease control and treatment adherence? Our research has shown that greater use of digital tools has resulted in 32% of diabetes patients believing they are now 'slightly' or 'much more' in control of their diabetes, and 44% believing their level of control has not been affected". 

The research of patients and healthcare professionals from the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia revealed that since the start of the pandemic:

• 51% of patients were choosing to eat diabetes-friendly foods
• Nearly half (49%) of patients had increased their use of apps to track their diet
• 46% of patients were using apps or fitness trackers for their activity levels
• 45% of patients were adhering to diabetes medication schedules/taking their medication at the same time each day

The pandemic has also shifted how patients and healthcare professionals communicate, with Bryter’s researching showing:

• 46% of patients receiving telephone consultations
• 45% of patients attending face-to-face appointments
• 41% of patients using video consultation
• 24% of patients using email
• 19% of patients using telemedicine software
• 18% of patients using text message services
• 18% of patients using messaging apps (e.g. WhatsApp)

With the reduced opportunity for face-to-face consultation, over two-thirds of healthcare professionals reported recommending more smartphone-connected blood glucose devices. One in five (21%) recommended them 'much more often' than before the pandemic.

Ben Gibbons, Bryter (US), added, “Technology, and Digital Therapeutics (DTx) has immense potential to continue to help Type 2 diabetes patients and providers achieve their goals. There is now the opportunity to build on these and deliver better outcomes in cost-efficient and sustainable ways”.

Full global and per market data are available to pharmaceutical companies working in diabetes. Global reports can be downloaded from https://pages.bryter-research.co.uk/digitalhealthtools or contact Ben Gibbons (US) for market breakdowns ben.gibbons@bryter-us.com.

• Ends -

 Notes to Editors

Please reference Bryter as the source of this research in any editorial articles.

Interviews and visual research graphics are available upon request. Please contact Liz Adams on 07775515593 or LizAdamsComms@gmail.com.

About Bryter

Bryter is a UK and US-based market research and insight consultancy specialising in healthcare research. www.bryter-uk.com