A randomized trial of video conferences between endocrinologists and GPs in Denmark aimed to improve guideline-recommended prescribing for type 2 diabetes.
27 practicesCluster RCT testing video conferencing between endocrinologists and GPs to improve diabetes prescribing
What the researchers found
RCT tested whether specialist-GP video conferences improved prescribing of recommended diabetes medications including GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors.
Why it matters
Evidence-based medications are underused in diabetes — finding scalable ways to close prescribing gaps could improve outcomes for millions.
The numbers in context
27 of 100 practices randomized; 17.6% difference (95% CI 4.6-30.7%) in GLP-1 RA/SGLT2i prescriptions; minimal differences for ACE/AT2 (-1.1%) and statins (0.0%).
How the study worked
Two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial across 27 of 100 general practices in Aarhus, Denmark over 12 months.
Who was studied
People with type 2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease managed in Danish general practice
What this study cannot tell us
Cluster randomization with only 27 practices limits power. Danish healthcare system may not generalize to other settings.
How to read the evidence
Cluster RCT — gold standard design for implementation research, though small cluster number limits power.
When this study was published
Published in 2025 in NPJ Digital Medicine, reflecting growing interest in digital health interventions.
The bigger picture
Digital health interventions connecting specialists and primary care could be a cost-effective way to improve medication quality across many conditions.
Questions still open
- Did GLP-1/SGLT2 prescribing actually increase in the intervention group?
- Is video conferencing more cost-effective than other education approaches?
Common questions
Why don't all diabetes patients get the best medications?
Can video calls between doctors improve patient care?
Read the original research
Effect of video conferencing between primary and secondary care specialists on type 2 diabetes medication.
NPJ digital medicine, 8(1), 179
Citation
Prætorius, Thim; Baymler Lundberg, Anne Sofie; Klausen Fredslund, Eskild; Blach Rossen, Niklas; Gregersen, Søren; Prior, Anders; Søndergaard, Esben; Tang Knudsen, Søren; Sandbæk, Annelli. (2025). Effect of video conferencing between primary and secondary care specialists on type 2 diabetes medication.. NPJ digital medicine, 8(1), 179. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-025-01570-w