Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Diabetes and Mental Health (TECC-DM)

McMaster University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes; Diabetes Distress; Mental Health

Treatments: Other: Educational emails; Behavioral: Health coaching

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07181863

19043

Details and patient eligibility

About

Managing both type 2 diabetes and mental health challenges can be difficult, and many people do not receive care that supports both. This study looks at how virtual health coaching and support from interdisciplinary care teams can help people better manage their health.

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a virtual health coaching program for adults living with type 2 diabetes and mental health challenges compared to usual care. The Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for type 2 Diabetes and Mental health (TECC-DM) program includes weekly coaching calls, support from an interdisciplinary care team, and online tools to aid self-management. The findings from this study will be used to help improve services for people who have type 2 diabetes and co-occurring mental health symptoms.

Full description

This research will:

Implement and evaluate a relation-driven care solution that integrates physical and mental healthcare for adults living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and comorbid mental health challenges. Applying the principles of relation-centred care which expands patient-centred care to all team members involved, the TECC-DM model was co-designed to improve collaborative care between and across sectors, settings, and professionals. This model enhances the core relationship between provider and patients while empowering the person to be an active agent in their health and care.

Assess the effectiveness of the TECC-DM intervention (n=80) on patient-relevant (quality of life) and provider-level (satisfaction) outcomes compared to usual care (n=80). Drawing upon established feasibility data, and delivered in addition to existing diabetes care, the TECC-DM model of care may address important health system challenges in primary care, including those related to access, resources, and skill mix, while delivering whole-person care.

Study the implementation of the TECC-DM model alongside its effectiveness. Engaging a partner advisory group, knowledge users, and clinicians reflects the shared values of our team and ensures that this research leverages a wealth of expertise and real-world insights to inform future applications.

Enrollment: 160 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults ≥18 years old
• Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D)
• Experiencing mental health challenges, defined as:
• Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score ≥8 on either subscale OR
• Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) score ≥2
• Community-living
• Able to communicate verbally in English
• Residing in Ontario during study participation

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, psychotic disorder)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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160 participants in 2 patient groups

TECC-DM model

Experimental group

Description:

Participants (n=80) are randomized to the TECC-DM arm, a 12-week, relation-driven and integrated model of care delivered virtually in addition to usual diabetes care. Weekly 1-hour sessions with a health coach are supported by guidance from an interdisciplinary virtual care team, using phone, text, Zoom, and REDCap. The program follows a structured protocol to ensure fidelity. TECC-DM is designed to improve quality of life (primary outcome) and goals of care (secondary outcomes: mental health, self-management, and physiological indicators).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Health coaching

Educational emails

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants (n=80) receive usual diabetes care, which may include primary or specialist care and community-based supports, with services documented to capture variation. In addition, participants receive 10 standardized educational emails over 12 weeks. This arm provides a structured, fidelity-monitored comparison to TECC-DM.

Treatment:

Other: Educational emails