Evaluating Availability of Glucose Data During In-person versus Telemedicine Visits in an Endocrinology Specialty Clinic

Abstract

Blood glucose (BG) data are essential for diabetes management. Before Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic, BG data were obtained from patient BG logs or downloaded from their devices during in-person visits. Transition to telemedicine during pandemic altered clinic workflow and challenged access to BG data. Specific Aims: To assess and compare, availability of BG data, fingerstick BG logs, and pump and/or CGM data, and platforms used to share data, during in-person versus telemedicine visits: Methods: This was an observational retrospective study conducted via chart review. We randomly screened adult diabetes management clinic visits at Banner – University Medicine Endocrinology Clinic from 6/1/2019 to 12/13/2019 (in-person, Group A) and 6/1/2020 to 12/31/2020 (telemedicine, Group B). Chi-square test was used for between group comparison. Main Results: Out of the 766 screened visits, 200 were included in Group A and 199 in Group B. Overall, availability of BG data was higher for Group A (79%) than Group B (46.2%), P<0.001. More fingerstick BG logs were available for Group A (78.5%) than Group B (21.5%), P<0.001. The difference in availability of insulin pump and/or CGM data between the groups was not statistically significant (54.1% vs 45.9%, P=0.210). Conclusion: The higher overall BG data availability for in-person visits was driven by that of fingerstick BG logs. Pump and CGM data availability did not differ between groups suggesting successful sharing of those urding telemedicine. Enhancing the ability to share fingerstick BG data should be considered. Future studies are needed to assess the availability of clinically relevant data.