Empathy in Action: Sunshine Calls for Life With Diabetes

Empathy in Action: Sunshine Calls for Life With Diabetes

Randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness in managing diabetes and improving mental health through a telephonic layperson-delivered empathy and relationship-focused program for patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) against usual care.

In this study, we will assess the effectiveness of a 6-month program delivered by phone by lightly-trained lay people to individuals with diabetes, with the goal of empathetic relationship building and engagement to support day-to-day challenges of managing diabetes and working towards self-management goals. We will recruit from a collaborating Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and use a randomized controlled trial, comparing program to usual care. Telephone callers will be lay people (no formal health training) who will be recruited for authentic interest and empathetic skills and lightly trained on conversational skills, cultural nuances, and how best to support people's individual lifestyle goals on nutrition, exercise, sleep and medication adherence. Callers will encourage participants to seek additional help from their clinic or specific social services as needs arise that benefit from early escalation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HbA1c ≥ 7.5% at baseline measurement and 8.0% at least one time 12 months prior to study enrollment.
• At least one visit with Lone Star Circle of Care within the past 12 months (in person or telehealth)
• Willing to answer the PHQ-9 form in its entirety at baseline data collection (due to stratified randomization design).

Exclusion Criteria:

• HbA1c < 7.5% at baseline measurement.
• Refusal to answer the PHQ-9 form in its entirety at baseline data collection.
• Moderate to severe cognitive impairment
• Currently pregnant (if of female sex)
• Undergoing cancer treatment
• Having diagnosis of end-stage renal disease or serious mental illness
• Having moderate to severe cognitive impairment
• Receiving systemic treatment with prednisone or immunosuppressant therapy following an organ transplant