Virtually delivering a diabetes prevention programme (Healthier You) increases accessibility and equity

ABSTRACT

Aim: Healthier You (HY) is an NHS England commissioned diabetes prevention programme meeting criteria for structured education programmes (SEPs). It is evidence-based, informed by theory, underpinned with a philosophy and usually delivered as sixteen 90 minute face-to- face group sessions for participants at risk of type 2 diabetes. We decided to adapt HY for virtual delivery to enable this SEP to continue during covid-19. We aimed to examine the uptake and impact of this new delivery mode. Method: A multidisciplinary group of stakeholders reviewed and modified the programme to support virtual delivery, while retaining credibility as SEP. HY facilitators were trained in the new mode of delivery. Delivery of virtual HY began April 2020. Data was collated over 2 time periods;face-to- face delivery (2019) and virtual delivery (1/4/2020-1/ 12/2020) and compared for acceptability and accessibility. Results: Uptake to face-to- face HY was 66%, increasing to 69.5% for virtual delivery during covid-19. An increase in attendance of people <35 years of age (12% vs. 5%), from non-White groups (30% vs. 23%) and from the most deprived quintile of deprivation (28% vs. 17%) was seen for virtual HY compared to face-to- face. Average weight loss improved with virtual delivery compared to face-to- face (3.6 kg vs. 2.4 kg). Conclusions: Since covid-19, there has been increased uptake to virtual HY by those who are younger, employed, from BAME background and/or socially deprived areas. Fewer older, retired people attended. Post-covid- 19, a hybrid approach to HY delivery may support accessibility and equity while improving weight loss.