Assessing acceptability and patient experience of a behavioral lifestyle intervention using fitbit technology in older adults to manage type 2 diabetes amid COVID-19 pandemic: A focus group study.
Rozmin Jiwani, Brittany Dennis, Chandler Bess and 4 others
PMID 33248357WHAT IT FOUND
Older adults with type 2 diabetes described accepting a Fitbit-based lifestyle program.
They said tracking diet and activity helped motivation, routines, and perceived blood sugar and weight changes, while pandemic restrictions disrupted exercise and shopping. Some found the app confusing.
Key findings
01Participants described the Fitbit as helping them record diet and activity, stay accountable, and feel motivated.
02COVID-19 restrictions limited exercise and grocery shopping, but participants said learned habits helped them keep trying to manage diet and activity.
03Some participants found the Fitbit app confusing, were limited by pain or previous injury, or initially resisted behavior change.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This was a qualitative focus group study after a pilot, so it reports experiences, not treatment effects. Only 18 of the 20 enrolled participants completed the focus groups. There was no control group without a Fitbit, so participants' perceived value of the device cannot be compared with usual care. The program included group education, Fitbit self-monitoring, diet and activity goals, and motivational strategies, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. Group 1 completed sessions and focus groups in person before COVID-19 restrictions, while groups 2, 3, and 4 used some virtual delivery, so their experiences may differ. Participants were relatively young older adults, mean age 72 years, so findings may not apply to people much older. Participants may have emphasized positive experiences because they were interviewed by the study team, although some also reported non-adherence and challenges.
Declared interests
The authors declared no competing interests. The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that the Fitbit caused improvements in blood sugar, weight, pain, walking, stairs, or medication reductions. This was a qualitative focus group study after a multi-component lifestyle program with no control group, so reported changes cannot be attributed to the device.