Readiness of adults with type 1 diabetes and diabetes caregivers for diabetes distress monitoring using a voice-based digital health solution: insights from the PsyVoice mixed methods study

Abstract

Objectives Diabetes distress can negatively affect the well-being of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Voice-based (VB) technology can be used to develop inexpensive and ecological tools for managing diabetes distress. This study explored the competencies to engage with digital health services, needs and preferences of individuals with T1D or caring for a child with this condition regarding VB technology to inform the tailoring of a co-designed tool for supporting diabetes distress management.Design We used a mixed methods design. We performed a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis of semistructured interviews of people living with T1D or caring for a child with T1D, complemented by quantitative analysis (descriptive statistics).Setting 12 adults living with T1D who attended diabetes centres or cared for a child with this condition participated in semistructured interviews to collect opinions about voice technology. They also responded to three questionnaires on sociodemographics and diabetes management, diabetes distress and e-health literacy.Outcome measures Main: Patient experiences and perceptions derived from the coded transcriptions of interview data. Secondary: Quantitative data generated from Socio-Demographic and Diabetes Management questionnaire; Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale and e-Health Literacy Questionnaire.Results Five major themes were generated from the participants’ interview responses: (1) Experience of T1D, (2) Barriers to VB technology use, (3) Facilitators of VB technology, (4) Expectations of VB technology management in T1D, (5) Role of healthcare professionals in implementing VB technology for T1D. Most participants expressed a favourable view of voice technology for diabetes distress management. Trust in technology and healthcare professionals emerged as the predominant sentiment, with participants’ current device type impacting anticipated barriers to adopting new technologies.Conclusion The results highlighted positive participant views towards VB technology. Device use, previous experience and health professional endorsement were influential facilitators of novel VB digital health solutions. Further research involving younger people with T1D could further contribute to the successful development of these tools.Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05517772.