Views on, and preferences for, a digital diabetes prevention programme
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patients’ and primary care professionals’ views on, and preferences for, a digital diabetes prevention programme (DDPP) among individuals at high risk of developing diabetes
IRAS ID
195934
Contact name
Elizabeth Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Five million adults in England are estimated to be at high risk of developing diabetes. Several studies have shown that even small changes to diet and physical activity can significantly reduce the chance that these individuals will go on to develop diabetes. Face-to-face, group lifestyle programmes that aim to improve diet and increase exercise are being rolled out by the NHS. There is increasing evidence that digital – or online – programmes are also effective at tackling these behaviours, and could be a cost-effective and convenient alternative.
We aim to develop a digital diabetes prevention programme that helps individuals increase exercise and improve their diet. However, understanding intended users’ barriers to changing their behaviour and preferences for a digital programme is an important first step in this process, to make sure the programme attracts and is acceptable to these potential users.
For this study, we plan to hold small groups sessions (‘focus groups’) lasting up to 90 minutes with individuals identified as being at high risk of developing diabetes to explore their needs and preferences for a digital diabetes prevention programme. As GPs and practice nurses would ultimately recommend the programme, we also feel it is important to understand their views and preferences, so we will also hold focus groups as well as individual interviews with GPs and nurses.
We will use the information collected in this study to inform the development of a digital diabetes prevention programme.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0240
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion