Patient and Health-care Professional Satisfaction with a New, Simple, High Accuracy Blood Glucose Meter with Color Range Indicator.

BACKGROUND: Accurate self-monitoring of blood glucose (BG) is a key component of effective self-management of glycemic control.
METHODS: The OneTouch Select Plus Simple™ (OTSPS) BG monitoring system (BGMS) was evaluated for accuracy in a clinical setting.
RESULTS: OTSPS was accurate over a wide glucose range and met lay user and system accuracy BG standards described in ISO 15197:2013. Patients also used OTSPS for a 1-week trial period and reported their level of satisfaction with meter features. In a separate study, health-care professionals (HCPs) in India naïve to OTSPS experienced OTSPS online using a variety of interactive demonstrations of the BGMS and answered questions about its potential utility to their patients.
SUMMARY: Patients and HCPs felt the features of OTSPS, including a color range indicator, could provide significant benefits to them and their patients.

INTRODUCTION

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is recognized as an integral part of diabetes care management in people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and provides valuable information for helping them achieve and maintain glycemic control.[1234] In addition, accurate SMBG results are required for optimal insulin dosing and detection of hypoglycemia.[567]

The current study evaluated the accuracy of a new BG monitoring system (BGMS) in patients with diabetes according to the International Organization for Standardization SMBG standard, ISO 15197:2013(E).[8] Patients also used the BGMS in a home setting to evaluate their satisfaction with the meter. In a separate study, health-care professionals (HCPs) in India used the online methodology, including interactive product simulators, video clips of the device, and multiple web pages with descriptive content to gain experience with the system before answering satisfaction questions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

OneTouch Select Plus Simple™ blood glucose monitoring system

The simple-to-use meter has a small and slim design and a large visual display with big, easy-to-read numbers [Figure 1]. The meter automatically lets a patient know if their result is below, above, or within a target glucose range by displaying the current result with a range indicator arrow (ColorSure™ Technology) pointing to a corresponding color bar below the meter display [Figure 1]. The meter also emits a fast audible beep when the BG result is low and a slow audible beep when the BG result is high for an added level of safety. The system comes with a reference card that the doctor can fill out with reminders of the steps a patient may take based on their BG results.

Figure 1

OneTouch Select Plus Simple™ blood glucose monitoring system components. An arrow pointing to the color bar on the meter casing indicates if the current blood glucose result is below (blue bar), in-range (green bar), or above (red bar) a target blood glucose range. The system uses OneTouch Select Plus blood glucose test strips and Delica lancing devices and contains a Reference Information Card in the system kit that has space for health-care professionals to write instructions and advice to their patients

OneTouch Select Plus Simple™ (OTSPS) is intended for self-testing by people with diabetes as an aid to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes control. It provides glucose results over the range of 20–600 mg/dl within a hematocrit range of 30%–55% and an operating temperature range of 10°C–44°C without the need for user calibration coding. The meter uses OneTouch Select Plus® test strips, which use an electrochemical assay method based on the enzyme glucose oxidase.[9]

Materials

Sponsor provided OTSPS meters (LifeScan Inc., Wayne, PA, USA), Owner's Guides, and auto-disabling BD Microtainer® lancer and lancets. In addition, sponsor provided 3 lots of production-equivalent select plus test strips randomly sourced and sequestered from the supply chain. Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) 2300 Stat Plus Select Biochemistry Analyzers (YSI Inc., Yellow Springs, OH, USA) were used as the reference BG measuring device.

Clinical accuracy study design and methodology

This was a multicenter, single-arm, nonrandomized study in 173 subjects aged ≥12 years with a current diagnosis of T1D or T2D currently performing unassisted SMBG. Clinical evaluations were conducted at 3 UK National Health Service clinical sites: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital and Highlands Diabetes Institute, Inverness, and one contracted clinic (BioKinetic Europe, Belfast, Northern Ireland). Of the 173 subjects, 160 participated in lay user accuracy testing; 100 participated in system accuracy testing; and 59 completed a user acceptance evaluation survey after completing home use.

Clinical studies were performed in compliance with all legal and ethical requirements and standards. Protocols were approved by the responsible ethical review committees and all participants gave written informed consent before study procedures. BG samples were collected by finger stick and were conducted by technicians qualified to perform capillary draws and laboratory testing.

Study protocol consisted of two site visits with up to a 1-week home use period between visits. During the first site visit, lay user and system accuracy testing were performed. A subset of subjects was issued a home testing kit and was asked to conduct regular SMBG at home for up to 1 week. On returning to the clinic, subjects completed a user acceptance survey consisting of statements about the ease of use of the meter and its potential benefits. Answers were given on a 5-point scale (5 = strongly agree; 4 = agree; 3 = neither agree nor disagree; 2 = disagree; 1 = strongly disagree).

Lay user accuracy testing

Self-testing was performed by subjects with SMBG experience; however, no previous experience with OTSPS was permitted. Subjects lanced a fingertip and performed a self-test using the BGMS and a test strip from the assigned lot. Study staff collected blood from the same finger puncture for hematocrit and reference plasma glucose testing.

System accuracy testing

System accuracy evaluation of the BGMS was conducted immediately following lay user testing to avoid influencing subject performance in the latter. Study staff lanced a different subject fingertip; collected blood for YSI reference plasma glucose testing; and applied blood onto strips in 6 OTSPS meters and two control meters. Finally, study staff collected blood from the same lancing for a second YSI reference plasma glucose testing.

Blood samples were collected to meet glucose distribution bins described in ISO 15197:2013(E) [Table 1].[10] When necessary to obtain samples with very high or very low glucose concentrations, samples were adjusted upward by adding a small volume of concentrated glucose solution (bins 6–7) or downward by allowing endogenous glycolysis to occur at room temperature (bins 1–2).

Table 1

Distribution of blood glucose concentrations obtained for system accuracy evaluation

Acceptance criteria

To determine bias, fingertip test results were compared to the reference method (YSI) and assessed according to the ISO 15197:2013(E) criteria.[8]

Ninety-five percent of the measured glucose values shall fall within either ±15 mg/dl of the average measured values of the reference measurement procedure at glucose concentrations <100 mg/dl or within ±15% at glucose concentrations ≥100 mg/dl.

Ninety-nine percent of individual glucose measured values shall fall within zones A and B of the consensus error grid for T1D.

Health-care professional study

In total, 50 HCPs in India (30 endocrinologists, 8 primary care physicians [PCPs], 7 certified diabetes educators [CDEs], and 5 pharmacists) were asked to evaluate the OTSPS BGMS using an online experience that included a meter simulation that provided identical functionality in terms of capability, functions, and navigation to the intended product. The OTSPS BGMS simulator was preloaded with representative low, in-range, and high BG results or information to ensure that meter screens could accurately provide an illustration of what these screens would show when HCPs (or patients) review information on this BGMS in actual use. HCPs interacted online digitally with a series of 19 web pages displaying both text and visual images of the new meter, with embedded links at certain points automatically transporting the HCP to a hands-on (via mouse) interaction with an OTSPS simulator. In addition, HCPs viewed two product videos showing real-time meter setup and routine glucose testing [Figure 2]. Clinical practice questions were completed before the online experience section and 25 survey questions were presented during the experience to determine HCP opinion of the potential value of various functions and features of the BGMS to them and their patients. An external vendor (Ipsos InnoQuest, Parsippany, NJ, USA) managed the study in terms of recruitment of HCPs and study execution.

Figure 2

Methodology for health-care professional study. Health-care professionals interacted online with web pages describing features of the OneTouch Select Plus Simple meter; a reference card which is contained in the meter kit; an interactive simulation of use of the meter; and an online video demonstrating the proper use and features of the meter

RESULTS

Lay user accuracy

Totally, 160 subjects participated in the lay user accuracy evaluation, including 66 (41%) females and 94 (59%) males. The mean and median age was 51.0 and 54.6 years, respectively, with a range of 14–79 years; 46% of subjects had T1D, and 54% had T2D; 81% were taking insulin either by bolus or by insulin pump. The mean time since diabetes diagnosis was 17.1 years with a range of 0.2–60 years. Patients were experienced SMBG users with a median frequency of 3 tests/day (range 0.03–10 tests/day).

Table 2 summarizes lay user accuracy results across all 3 lots tested. ISO 15197:2013(E) accuracy criteria were met when all glucose values were taken together with 95.0% (152/160) of results within the acceptance criteria. Although not required to meet ISO 15197:2013(E) accuracy specifications, the guideline stipulates that results ≥100 mg/dl and <100 mg/dl be described. 96.6% (28/29) of BG results <100 mg/dl had a bias within the ±15 mg/dl limit, and 94.7% (124/131) of BG results ≥100 mg/dl had a bias within the ±15% limit.

Table 2

Clinical accuracy of OneTouch Select Plus Simple blood glucose monitoring system

Table 3 shows the favorable response rates to the statements presented to the 59 subjects who took the user acceptance evaluation survey after the OTSPS home use. Key findings include 97% of subjects strongly agreeing or agreeing that “the meter is so straight forward, I could use it right out of the box,” and “the easy to understand ColorSure Technology could support me to know when to act on by BG results.” Ninety-two percent of subjects strongly agreed or agreed that “with ColorSure Technology to help me understand my numbers, a beep to tell me when I need to take action, and Reference Card guide, I feel reassured with this meter.”

Table 3

Subject user acceptance responses to survey statements regarding use of the OneTouch Select Plus Simple™ Meter

System accuracy

Table 2 summarizes system accuracy results across all 3 lots tested. ISO 15197:2013(E) accuracy criteria were met with 99.2% of results within the acceptance criteria (all lots) and when each lot was analyzed individually. Using a cutoff point of 100 mg/dl, 99.4% of BG results <100 mg/dl were within a bias of ±15 mg/dl and 99.1% of results ≥100 mg/dl had a bias within the ±15% limit. Similar results were seen when each lot was analyzed individually, and in all cases, ISO 15197:2013(E) accuracy criteria were met. Seven total samples in bins 1, 6, and 7 were adjusted to meet glucose frequency distributions.

Figure 3 shows the system accuracy glucose bias plot obtained with OTSPS and the corresponding YSI reference glucose concentration results. 99.2% of the values fell within the accuracy threshold limits of ±15 mg/dl at glucose concentrations <100 mg/dl and ±15% at glucose concentrations ≥100 mg/dl.

Figure 3

System accuracy blood glucose bias plot. Accuracy limit lines are ±15 mg/dl (<100 mg/dl) or ± 15% (≥100 mg/dl). 99.2% (595/600) of glucose results (200 per test lot × 3 lots) (blue dots) fell within the accuracy limit lines. Red dots (5/600) represent results outside the accuracy limit lines. YSI: Yellow Springs Instruments

Linear regression analysis for each individual lot and all 3 lots taken together showed a highly significant correlation between the BG observed with OTSPS and the reference standard (YSI) values. Slope for all 3 lots was 1.00 (0.99–1.00; 95% confidence interval) with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99.

The consensus error grid is a plot of BGMS results (y-axis) versus the corresponding reference results (x-axis) that is overlaid with a grid that divides the plot into zones.[1011] Each zone signifies the degree of clinical risk posed to a T1D user obtaining an incorrect measurement on their BG meter. For system accuracy testing, 99.8% of individual glucose values for OTSPS fell within zone A (no effect on the clinical action) and 0.2% fell within zone B (little or no effect on clinical outcomes) of the consensus error grid [Figure 4]. For lay user performance testing, the corresponding values were 95.6% (153/160) in zone A and 4.4% (7/160) in zone B.

Figure 4

Consensus error grid plot glucose plot. n = 600 data points (200 per test lot × 3 lots). 599 data points (99.8%) in zone A (blue dots). 1 data point (0.2%) in zone B (red dot). YSI: Yellow Springs Instruments

Safety and tolerability

No adverse events were observed. Anticipated, some subjects experienced transient mild pain at the site of lancing during the lancing procedure.

Fifty HCPs practicing in India participated in the study. HCPs had been in clinical practice with a median of 11 (endocrinologists), 14 (PCPs), 9 (CDEs), and 11 (pharmacists) years and saw a median of 45–60 patients with diabetes per week. These include a mean of between 21% and 32% of patients with T1D with a mean of 55% of all their patients with diabetes taking insulin either alone or in conjunction with oral medication.

Each HCP spent approximately 30–60 min reading web content, experiencing the meter simulator, viewing the product demo video, and responding to survey questions. The results of 4 clinical practice questions completed before the online experience are shown in Table 4. Results from the additional 25 survey questions are shown in Table 5. Key favorable response findings included 94% strongly agreeing or agreeing that with security from understanding their BG results, patients will feel confident in managing their diabetes; 90% agreeing or strongly agreeing that patients will feel reassured using this meter because of the ColorSure Technology, audio signals, and it is so simple and easy to use right out of the box; and 86% agreeing or strongly agreeing that with this meter, patients can feel secure because they can see and hear when they may need to act.

Table 4

Health-care professional response to clinical practice questions

Table 5

Health-care professional responses to survey statements on OneTouch Select Plus Simple™ Meter following an interactive experience with a simulated meter

DISCUSSION

A symposium on BG monitoring highlighted the importance of measurement accuracy and precision for all patients using SMBG.[12] In the current clinical evaluation, using finger stick capillary blood obtained from a patient by a trained medical assistant and finger stick capillary blood obtained by the patient themselves, OTSPS met ISO 15197:2013(E) accuracy criteria. The accuracy criteria specified in the ISO 15197:2013(E) guideline are used for regulatory clearance in India and countries in the EU. Regression analysis of OTSPS results against results using the YSI reference standard showed a strongly significant linear correlation for both system and lay user accuracy testing. In addition, nearly, all of the bias results fell within Zone A on a consensus error grid for (type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM]), meaning that the error associated with the use of this BGMS would be expected to have no effect on clinical outcomes.

Many people with diabetes are looking for quick, easy-to-understand information about their blood sugar results. The OTSPS BGMS offers a simple, accurate, and easy-to-use meter in a compact design with a large visual display. In addition, it has a simple color range indicator utilizing ColorSure™ Technology that informs patients at the time of testing whether their BG readings are low, in-range, or high. Patients using this meter felt strongly that these features would be of potential benefit to them. They felt that the meter would bring a clear understanding of glucose results using sight (color) and sound (audible fast or slow beeps). In addition, most patients agreed that the use of color to identify where results fell in relationship to a target BG range would help them feel more confident and reassured about managing their diabetes. Although it is possible that patients might want to please the study staff and hence give a higher score, the study was conducted at independent clinic sites and facilitated by study staff who were not sponsor employees and were trained to be impartial. Patients were encouraged by study staff to offer their genuine feedback and were given sufficient time and space to complete the survey. In addition, the survey offered space to collect open feedback prefaced with the question, “Do you have an opinion to share? We'd really like to hear it. Your opinions and comments help us make improvements to future products and better meet your needs.”

HCPs taking part in a simulated version of the BGMS felt that the features would be of benefit to their patients. Only 42% of the HCPs believed that most of their patients could easily or very easily recognize whether their results were within their target range when testing at home with their current meter. This is despite 88% of the HCPs stating that they provide their patients with specific target ranges every time or most times when they come into the office. Moreover, most of the HCPs were not confident that their patients took action when they got a low or a high glucose result when testing at home. The use of a color range indicator should increase the ability of patients to recognize whether their BG results are within a target range, and the audible beep, when their results are low or high, should increase the likelihood that they will take some action after receiving their glucose results.

HCPs who participated in the simulated version of the BGSM felt that it was so straightforward it could be used right out of the box without any additional instruction from them. The lack of any button or setup was seen as contributing to the ease of use. Nine out of ten HCPs felt that the positive feedback of showing patients when they are in range may help them keep on track in their diabetes management between doctor visits. The addition of a reference card was seen by the HCPs as a positive addition. They responded strongly that recommendations from them written in the reference card guide could help their patients make the right decisions about their BG results and know what to do next. In addition, with color to help them understand their numbers, a beep to tell them when they may need to take action and reference card guide instructions, patients could feel reassured with this meter.

Recently, Zikmund-Fisher et al.[13] reported that numeracy and literacy independently predict the ability of patients to identify out-of-range test results. In addition, poor numeracy skills have been associated with a worse glycemic control in patients with T1DM.[14] A high percentage of the HCPs experiencing the meter simulation agreed that the meter may provide an extra benefit for patients with low numeracy or low education who may struggle to interpret glucose results.

CONCLUSION

The OTSPS meter is accurate over a wide range of BG levels in the laboratory and clinical settings. In all cases, results met ISO 15197:2013 criteria for acceptable BGMS performance. After home use in patients with diabetes and after a simulation experience by HCPs, both groups felt that the features of the system could help in the management of BG.

Financial support and sponsorship

Studies were funded by LifeScan Inc.

Conflicts of interest

Laurence B. Katz, Mike Grady, Lorna Stewart, Hilary Cameron and Pamela A. Anderson are employees of LifeScan Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson. Anish Desai is an employee of Johnson & Johnson.