Despite widespread recognition of the benefits associated with diabetes and hypertension control, rates of control for these conditions remain suboptimal. Though effective interventions exist for diabetes and hypertension,[15–18] interventions proven to simultaneously impact outcomes for both conditions in the community setting are urgently needed. We are evaluating the telephone-delivered, nurse-administered TEACH-DM intervention among community patients with poorly-controlled diabetes and comorbid hypertension. At the conclusion of the 24-month study period, we will assess the impact of the TEACH-DM intervention among our community cohort, with outcomes including diabetes and hypertension control, diabetes and hypertension-related self-efficacy, self- reported adherence to diabetes and hypertension medications, exercise, and diet. We will also assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of implementing the intervention in community practices.
This study is an example of type 3 translational research,[54] in which findings from randomized trials of methods of health care delivery are translated into real-world practice. If this study shows the TEACH-DM intervention to be effective in the community setting, the intervention will be ready for implementation almost immediately and without alteration. This intervention’s telephone-based delivery strategy and nurse administration make it well- suited for broad dissemination in community settings, and likely to be cost-effective. An additional strength of this study is our diverse and balanced patient population, which helps assure that our findings will be widely generalizable.