The Role of a "Technology Navigator" in an Academic Diabetes Clinic: A Feasibility Evaluation

Diabetes Technol Ther. 2024 Jan;26(1):65-69. doi: 10.1089/dia.2023.0406.

Abstract

Patient-generated device data play an important role in diabetes management. However, acquiring these data remains a challenge. This project aimed to understand whether implementing dedicated "Technology Navigator" (TN) personnel at a large academic diabetes clinic could facilitate access to device data without increasing work for clinic staff. A sample of visits pre- and post-TN implementation (n = 173) showed a 22% (41% vs. 19%) increase in patients who successfully shared their data from home before their visit and a 52% (67% vs. 15%) increase in visits where data were available to the provider for review before the appointment, whereas billing claims for continuous glucose monitor interpretation increased by 86% during the same period. Time analysis suggests that home uploads could save up to 747 h in medical assistant labor annually. Incorporating a TN may improve data availability, decrease time spent on nonbillable activities, and support data interpretation and billing.

Keywords: CGM; Financial impact; Patient-generated device data; Technology navigator; Technology support; Time savings.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care Facilities*
  • Blood Glucose
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / therapy
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans

Substances

  • Blood Glucose