#United States #San Francisco #diabetes #CareMessage #Wellness Copilot

CareMessage Unveils Wellness Copilot to Enhance Diabetes Management

CareMessage, an innovative non-profit organization, has unveiled its Wellness Copilot for Diabetes, marking a significant advancement in managing diabetes for underserved communities across the United States. Amid a growing diabetes crisis and a shortage of healthcare workers, this new AI-driven tool is designed to optimize patient engagement and support for vulnerable populations.

A Growing Challenge for Patients and Providers

Diabetes affects over 38 million people in the U.S. This alarming figure translates to an increasing number of patients relying on safety-net organizations such as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). In 2024 alone, these centers reported seeing over three million diabetes patients. Unfortunately, the situation is complicated by a declining healthcare workforce, leading to burnout among staff as they manage more patients with complex health needs. This scenario risks amplifying health disparities for some of the country's most vulnerable individuals.

Rethinking Technology’s Role

The Wellness Copilot leverages clinical, demographic, and appointment data from Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to identify patient needs effectively. It categorizes individuals into various segments—from those at risk of developing diabetes to those managing uncontrolled diabetes. Subsequently, personalized engagement strategies are dispatched via text messaging, enabling targeted support tailored to each patient's circumstances.

Strengthening Appointment Adherence

The application begins by focusing on short-term health goals, such as encouraging patients to attend crucial check-ups. For example, patients with uncontrolled diabetes may be prompted for quarterly visits, while those at risk may be reminded of annual check-ins. The Wellness Copilot not only facilitates appointment booking but also gathers insights into barriers patients face when attempting to secure these appointments. This data is invaluable for healthcare providers as they assess and respond to various obstacles to care.

Evidence-Based Coaching for Long-term Impact

Upon achieving appointment adherence, the Wellness Copilot automatically enrolls patients in CareMessage's health coaching programs. These programs, known for their effectiveness in reducing A1c levels, utilize conversational messaging techniques designed to encourage long-term behavioral changes in patients' everyday lives.

Cecilia Corral, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at CareMessage, highlights the endeavor: “This solution acts as a lifeline for care teams and patients alike. We understand the immense strain on our safety-net partners, and by automating essential aspects of diabetes care, we can minimize staff burnout while delivering personalized support each patient deserves.”

Proven Results from Pilot Programs

CareMessage has a solid foundation built on clinically validated results. For instance, previous diabetic coaching interventions demonstrated capabilities similar to those of human health coaches in enhancing physical activity. Recent pilot participants of the Wellness Copilot report a 55 percent success rate in patients showing interest in scheduling appointments. The conversational engagement not only facilitates appointments but also imparts necessary diabetes education.

In an environment where health centers are stretched thin in allocating limited resources, the Wellness Copilot for Diabetes emerges as a critical tool for achieving both operational and clinical benchmarks while simultaneously delivering accessible, compassionate care to their communities.

About CareMessage

Founded in 2012, CareMessage is a non-profit organization established to create the largest patient engagement platform addressing the needs of low-income populations in the United States. The organization has successfully reached over 20 million people across 45 states and territories, primarily focusing on mitigating health disparities and improving access to care for underserved communities through personalized education and care coordination via text messaging. To learn more, visit www.caremessage.org.