The Connected2Care Project team at NYU Langone engages patients who have type 2 diabetes to take an active role in managing their disease through its Investigating an mHealth Texting Tool for Embedding Patient-Reported Data into Diabetes Management (i-Matter) study.

i-Matter Study Goal

i-Matter, a research project funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and led by Antoinette M. Schoenthaler, EdD, is designed to evaluate the effect of a technology-based patient-reported outcomes (PRO) tool for the care of patients with type 2 diabetes. We want to learn whether having patients report on the things that are most important to them about their diabetes will help improve self-care behaviors, conversations with their doctor, and, potentially, their diabetes control.

i-Matter: Diabetes

In this project, we are evaluating the effect of a technology-based PRO tool called i-Matter for care of patients who have uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. The i-Matter tool uses text messaging to capture patient-reported outcome data on self-care behaviors such as medication and dietary adherence, physical activity, and quality of life in real time. The system also enhances patient engagement through data-driven feedback and motivational messages and creates data visualizations in a personal journal report that is sent directly to patients and uploaded directly into the electronic health record. The monthly journal report includes key insights and evidence-based recommendations to help patients reflect on changes in their response over time, and to help them better manage their type 2 diabetes.

Who Can Participate

People who have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and have an HbA1c greater than 7 documented in the electronic health record on 2 clinic visits in the past year may qualify to join this study. We plan to enroll 282 patients who have uncontrolled type 2 diabetes throughout the network of Faculty Group Practices at NYU Langone.

What Does the i-Matter Study Involve?

The study involves a brief screening, baseline visit, and follow-up visits. If you are interested in participating, you will be asked a few questions to see if you are eligible and a good fit for the study, and if so, you will complete the baseline visit.

Baseline Visit

If you are eligible and wish to participate, the study team will describe the study in detail, answer any questions you may have, and obtain your informed consent to participate in the study. You will then be asked some questions about yourself, your diabetes management, and care. Finally, you will be told whether you are in the i-Matter or Usual Care group for 12 months.

Follow-Up Visits

Study participants will complete 4 additional study visits at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after your baseline visit. During these visits, you will answer survey questions. If you are in the i-Matter group, you will also answer questions about your experience using the program. Follow-up visits will be completed via email, telephone, or in person at your primary care practice.

i-Matter and Usual Care Groups

Participants enrolled in the i-Matter group will receive and respond to daily text messages about their diabetes management for 12 months. They will also receive motivational messages to let them know how well they are doing in the program. Every 2 weeks, participants will also receive a journal report that visualizes their responses to the text message questions. Participants who are placed in the Usual Care group will continue with their standard treatment for their type 2 diabetes via their primary care provider.

Training Information and Resources for i-Matter Participants

People who participate in the i-Matter study will receive training in the use of our PRO texting tool.

Learn more about patient consent forms, study training tools, and other resources for i-Matter study participants.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about or enrolling in the i-Matter study, please contact Jocelyn Cruz, MPH, program manager, at jocelyn.acosta@nyulangone.org or 646-501-3474.