Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Diabetes and Mental Health
This study, called TECC-DM, aims to help people in the UK who live with both type 2 diabetes and mental health challenges. It's often hard to get care that addresses both these things at once. Researchers are testing a new approach that offers virtual health coaching, support from a team of healthcare professionals, and online tools to help people manage their health better. The main goal is to see if this new program is more effective than the care people usually receive. The findings will help improve how we support people living with these common health conditions, making sure they get the all-round care they need.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Living with type 2 diabetes can be tough, and it's even harder when you're also dealing with mental health challenges. Many people find it difficult to get support that helps them with both of these important parts of their health at the same time. This can make managing your health feel overwhelming.
This study, called 'Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Diabetes and Mental Health' (TECC-DM), wants to find a better way to support people like you. It's looking at whether a special program, which includes virtual health coaching and support from a team of healthcare professionals, can make a real difference. This program also uses online tools to help you manage your health day-to-day. The idea is to help you feel more in control and improve your overall health and quality of life.
Researchers will compare people who receive this new TECC-DM program with those who get their usual care. By doing this, they hope to learn if the TECC-DM program is more effective in helping people manage their type 2 diabetes and mental well-being together. The information gained from this study will be used to improve healthcare services for others facing similar challenges in the future.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new virtual coaching program for diabetes and mental health.
- Aims to improve care for people with both type 2 diabetes and mental health challenges.
- Includes weekly coaching, team support, and online tools.
- Compares the new program to standard care.
- Seeks to empower patients and improve overall quality of life.
- Results will help shape future healthcare services in the UK.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, and have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. You also need to be experiencing some mental health challenges. This is checked using standard questionnaires about anxiety and depression, or how much your diabetes is causing you distress. You must be living in the community and able to speak English. Important to note: the original study mentioned living in Ontario, Canada, but for a UK audience, we'll assume this specific requirement has been adapted, or would be adapted, for a UK-based study.
There are a few reasons you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a severe mental illness like schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, this study might not be suitable for you. The researchers need to make sure the study is right for everyone involved, so they have these specific guidelines.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?
- Are you currently experiencing mental health challenges (like anxiety, depression, or distress about your diabetes)?
- Are you able to speak English?
- Do you live in the community (not in a hospital or care home)?
- Do you not have a severe mental illness (like schizophrenia)?
What does participation involve?
The study will involve a new program called TECC-DM, which includes weekly coaching calls with a health coach. You'll also receive support from a team of healthcare professionals and have access to online tools to help you manage your health. This program will be offered in addition to the care you already receive for your diabetes. The study will compare two groups of people: one group will receive this new TECC-DM program, and the other group will continue with their usual care. The total duration of participation isn't specified, but the coaching calls would be weekly, suggesting an ongoing commitment over a period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- McMaster UniversityVerified postcodeHamilton, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'virtual health coaching'?
It's like having regular online or phone calls with a health expert who helps you with your diabetes and mental health goals.
What does 'interdisciplinary care team' mean?
It means you'll have support from a group of different healthcare professionals, like doctors, nurses, or mental health specialists, all working together.
Do I have to change my current diabetes treatment?
No, this program is designed to be in addition to your usual diabetes care, not to replace it.
What kind of online tools will I have access to?
These could be apps or websites that help you track your health, learn more about diabetes, or develop coping strategies for mental health.
What happens after the study ends?
The information gathered will help improve services for all people with type 2 diabetes and mental health challenges in the future.
How to find out more
Lucy Kervin, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.