Exploring Barriers to the Utilization of Continuous Glucose Monitors in a Weight Management Clinic: A Needs Assessment

Background: Approximately 122 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. In 2018, 8.7% of adults 18 or older were diagnosed with diabetes in Utah. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are used for managing diabetes. Local Problem: There are barriers to prescribing CGM devices in a local comprehensive weight management clinic. Cost, insurance coverage, provider knowledge, and data integration are significant barriers to CGM utilization. Methods: A needs assessment was performed at a local weight management clinic to help identify barriers to prescribing and utilizing CGM devices. Interventions: Clinic providers and staff members were surveyed before and after evidence-based presentations on their comfort and barriers surrounding CGM devices. Results of the surveys were then presented to address barriers encompassing CGM prescribing and utilization. The presentation included current data on national CGM practices and how this weight management clinic compares. Included in the post-presentation was the education on bias and equity to evaluate healthcare providers' attitudes towards patients with obesity/overweight of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Results: Post-intervention survey showed that 20% of providers felt confident prescribing CGM devices. Top reported barriers to successful prescribing and usage of CGM devices included insurance coverage, time to educate patients, the patient's willingness to wear sensors, and lack of provider knowledge surrounding CGM and EHR data integration. Conclusion: The educational presentation and surveys appeared useful in identifying barriers to prescribing and utilizing CGM devices. Another quality improvement project is needed to overcome the identified barriers and can promote the successful utilization of CGM.