Principal Findings
diabetes, T2D, chronic diseases, chronic disease
CHRONIC DISEASES, SECONDARY, CHRONIC DISEASE, DISEASES, DIABETES
Maintaining a connection with patients with chronic diseases is a challenge, but it is an important aspect of care as self-management support can prevent or moderate exacerbations. The SupportMe study is the largest RCT to date of an SMS text messaging program providing support for healthy lifestyle and chronic disease self-management and with the largest number of people with diabetes. Novel aspects of this study include the customization of the program to suit people with one or both of the diseases that were the focus—T2D and CHD—and the establishment of the study within the context of a health district–wide chronic disease integrated care program. The study indicates that a program to support patients with chronic diseases using educational and motivational messages is feasible, well received, and engaging. Widespread implementation is perceived to be beneficial, but as illustrated by the lack of an effect on the primary outcome (SBP) as well as secondary outcomes such as HbA