Cost-effectiveness of shared telemedicine appointments in young adults with T1D: CoyoT1 trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often struggle to achieve glycemic control and maintain routine clinic visits. We aimed to evaluate the societal cost-effectiveness of the Colorado young adults with T1D (CoYoT1) Clinic, an innovative care model of shared medical appointments through home telehealth. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Patients self-selected into the CoYoT1 (N = 42) or usual care (N = 39) groups. RESULTS Within the trial, we found no significant differences in 9-month quality-adjusted life; however, the control group had a larger decline from baseline in utility than the CoYoT1 group, indicating a quality of life (QoL) benefit of the intervention (difference in difference mean 6 SD: 0.04 6 0.09; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in total costs. The CoYoT1 group had more study-related visits but fewer nonstudy office visits and hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS The CoYoT1 care model may help young adults with T1D maintain a higher QoL with no increase in costs.