Use of virtual care for glycemic management in people with diabetes: a rapid review

Abstract The objective was to answer the main research question: In patients with diabetes, does virtual care vs. face to face care provide different clinical, patient and practitioner experience or quality outcomes? Articles (2012-2020) describing interventions using virtual care with capability for 2-way, individualized interactions compared with usual care were included. Studies involving any patients with diabetes and outcomes of A1C, quality of care and/or patient or HCP experience were included. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled, quasi-experimental, implementation trials, observational studies and qualitative analyses were reviewed. MEDLINE and McMaster Health Evidence databases searched in June 2020 identified 59 articles. Virtual care, in particular telemonitoring combined with a means of two-way communications provided improvement in A1C similar or superior to usual care, with the strongest evidence for type 2 diabetes. Virtual care was generally acceptable to patients, who expressed satisfaction with their care. Healthcare providers recognized benefits but raised issues of technical support, workflow and compensation.