Case Study: Enabling diagnosis acceptance and shared decision-making through personalized treatment onboarding

The Challenge

• Receiving a new diagnosis, such as type 2 diabetes, can be overwhelming for patients, often triggering feelings of shock, uncertainty, and anxiety about the future.

• Many are not ready to accept their diagnosis or the changes it brings, and may struggle to understand medical information or the need for new treatments like insulin. Furthermore, new behaviors need to be incorporated into daily routines, such as monitoring blood sugar levels and lifestyle changes. These new challenges can lead to disengagement, poor adherence, and suboptimal outcomes.

• At the same time, healthcare professionals (HCPs) face challenges in supporting patients through this critical transition, including addressing emotional responses, correcting misconceptions, and fostering shared decision-making.

• Supporting both patients and HCPs at this stage is crucial for building trust, setting realistic expectations, and empowering patients to take control of their health.

Our Behavior Change Approach

• Atlantis Health applied behavioral science and health psychology principles to co-design the Taking Control onboarding tool with patients and Diabetes Nurse Educators.

• The tool begins with a brief questionnaire that helps patients reflect on their beliefs, concerns, and readiness for treatment.

• Based on their responses, patients are guided to specific sections of the tool that are most relevant to their needs—whether that is understanding their diagnosis, addressing emotional barriers, or building confidence to start insulin.

• This personalized approach ensures that each patient receives targeted support, making the information more meaningful and actionable.

• For HCPs, the tool is complemented by specialized training that equips them to identify and address psychological barriers, support effective dialogue, and facilitate shared decision-making.