In 2023, the article \u201cAssessing the sustainability and scalability of a diabetes eHealth innovation: a mixed-methods study\u201d was published. Several members of our unit are part of the team that wrote it.<\/p>\n\n\n
Sivakumar, A., Pan, R. Y., Wang, A., Choi, D., Ben Charif, A., Kastner, M., L\u00e9gar\u00e9, F., & Yu, C. H. (2023). Assessing the sustainability and scalability of a diabetes eHealth innovation: a mixed-methods study. BMC Health Services Research, 23, Article 284. https:\/\/bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12913-025-12378-5<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\n
In Canada, a research team developed MyDiabetesPlan<\/strong>, a digital decision aid designed to support shared decision-making in diabetes care. However, little information was available on its sustainability and scalability. To avoid short-lived implementation and promote broader adoption, it is essential to understand the factors influencing its long-term viability and scalability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a rigorous approach, the authors collected and analyzed data from various sources, including feedback from twenty individuals involved in the development and implementation of MyDiabetesPlan. Two tools were administered using a \u201cthink-aloud\u201d method: the National Health Services Sustainability Model (NHSSM) and the self-administered ISSaQ questionnaire on scalability. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted. Quantitative results were analyzed by aggregate scores and stakeholder type, while qualitative data were analyzed iteratively using content analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Findings indicated that MyDiabetesPlan has high sustainability and scalability. The main facilitator for sustainability was \u201cstaff engagement and training to maintain the process.\u201d Key barriers included \u201cadaptability of the improved process,\u201d \u201csenior leadership engagement,\u201d and \u201cinfrastructure for sustainability.\u201d For scalability, the most prominent facilitators were \u201cacceptability,\u201d \u201ctheory-based development,\u201d and \u201calignment with policy guidelines.\u201d Major barriers included \u201cfinancial and human resources,\u201d \u201cfeasibility of adoption,\u201d and \u201cbroad reach.\u201d Qualitative results confirmed the limiting and facilitating factors identified in the quantitative analyses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strengthening staff engagement across diverse care settings and overcoming resource constraints are key levers to enhance the sustainability and scalability of MyDiabetesPlan. Next steps will focus on securing organizational leadership support, which could mitigate resource-related barriers and foster greater staff mobilization. Developers of digital health tools can anticipate these challenges early in the design process to optimize long-term viability and scalability.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMethod<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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