Exploring the Use of Digital Tools by Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Approximately 537 million people are suffering from diabetes today. Total direct costs of diabetes worldwide are estimated at $966 billion in 2021. Given the growth of medical expenditures, increasing value in health care will require improvements in quality as well as reductions in cost (McKinsey, 2021). Especially, it has been shown that the degree of digitalization in the Swiss healthcare system is below average and needs more digital interfaces (McKinsey, 2021). Although digital health technology (DHT) has the potential to significantly improve the care of people with type 2 diabetes (Klonoff et al., 2013), its success depends not only on the adoption by healthcare providers but also on patients’ acceptance and use. Understanding how patients perceive, adopt, and engage with digital tools is essential to maximize their benefits and to tailor solutions to their needs.
This thesis will tackle the following research questions:
- How do patients with type 2 diabetes perceive and engage with digital health technologies for managing their condition?
- What are the key barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption and sustained use of digital tools among diabetes patients?
- What outcomes do patients value most when using digital tools for diabetes management (e.g., improved glycemic control, convenience, or education)?
Method: ~25 semi-structured interviews with type 2 diabetes patients in Switzerland (interview guideline will be provided by us)
Expected results: A detailed map of existing barriers and concrete recommendations how a digital tool for diabetics type 2 should look like from the perspective of the patients.
Timeline:
- Start: As soon as possible
- Submission Deadline: July 30, 2025
Contact: odile-florence.giger@unisg.ch
