A Novel Digital Intervention to Facilitate Diabetes Self-Management Among People with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Development and Acceptability Testing of SMART.

INTRODUCTION

Compared with the general population, people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-related disorders (SSD) have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and T2D risk factors such as poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. Antipsychotic drugs significantly contribute to this risk through metabolic adverse effects, including weight gain and insulin resistance. Prevention and self-management of T2D is challenging in this population due to inherent motivational and cognitive challenges associated with schizophrenia. The objective of this study was to describe the co-design and test the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of a novel digital health intervention, Schizophrenia and diabetes Mobile-Assisted Remote Trainer (SMART), for prevention and self-management of T2D in people with SSD.

METHODS

SMART was developed through an iterative process including review of relevant literature (eg, disease-specific guidelines), stakeholder involvement, and user testing. A pre-post mixed-methods design was used to assess the acceptability and feasibility of SMART over 4 weeks among five outpatients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and pre-diabetes/T2D.

RESULTS

The co-design process resulted in a digital intervention, which consisted of personalised, interactive text messages, providing psychoeducation and strengthening motivation for self-care behaviours that promote effective diabetes self-management (ie, nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and stress coping). The pilot study demonstrated good acceptability of SMART (response rates 75-95%). Trends towards improved clinical outcomes were observed in well-being, depression, anxiety, and mental health recovery. Barriers to usability included lack of mobile/internet data, precluding the ability to reply to text messages, and a preference for more hyperlinks and additional interactive features.

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive co-design process resulted in the development of a novel digital intervention for prevention and self-management of T2D tailored to unique needs and preferences of people with SSD. The pilot study findings indicate that SMART is acceptable and potentially usable for this population. Results will inform further adaptation and a future feasibility study to examine preliminary effectiveness of SMART.