JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In-person evidence-based self-management programs have been shown to be effective with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including rural and minority populations and those with lower socioeconomic status. During the pandemic, these in person programs were forced to move to remote delivery platforms.

Objective:

The objectives of this study were to ascertain self-management program enrollment and completion characteristics between two remote delivery platforms, as well as determine the individual level characteristics that drove enrollment and completion across delivery modes.

Methods:

We analyzed enrollment and completion characteristics of 183 individuals who enrolled in one of two modes of remotely-delivered self-management programs offered by our healthcare network between April and December 2020.

Results:

Those who enrolled in the videoconference platform were significantly more likely to be younger and college educated than those who enrolled in the conference call platform. Those who completed a program, regardless of delivery mode, were more likely to be older and college educated than those who did not complete. Among those enrolled in the conference call platform, completers were more likely to be college graduates and not enrolled in Medicaid. Among those enrolled in the videoconference platform, completers were older, college graduates, and more likely to have reported poorer health than those who did not complete the program.

Conclusions:

The transition of self-management programs to remote delivery modes, particularly to those that rely on videoconference platforms, has revealed that certain demographic groups may no longer be able or willing to access the service. Equivalent quality services that do not rely on a digital platform must continue to be offered in order to promote health equity.