Encouraging the prescribing of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA medications to reduce cardiovascular and renal risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications among patients with type 2 diabetes but are underutilized. There are numerous barriers to prescribing including insurance coverage, medication availability, comfort with prescribing, and diffusion of responsibility of prescribing across specialists. Methods are needed to support prescribing in primary care. METHODS: This was a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial testing interventions to increase appropriate SGLT2i and GLP-1RA prescribing. Primary care providers (PCPs) were randomized to 1 of 3 arms: (1) peer champion support (2) peer champion support and information on insurance coverage, or (3) usual care (no intervention). PCPs in both intervention arms received a welcome email and electronic health record (EHR) messages before visits with patients who had sub-optimally controlled diabetes and an indication for 1 of these medications. In the peer champion support only arm the EHR messages included prescribing tips. In the arm that provided peer champion support and information on insurance coverage, EHR messages contained information on medications in each class that would be most affordable for the patient based on their insurance coverage and offered support for prior authorizations if needed. The primary outcome was prescriptions for an SGLT2i or GLP-1RA medication, beginning 3 days before the targeted visit and continuing through 28 days, in each intervention arm compared to control. RESULTS: 191 primary care providers were included in the study. 1,389 patients had at least 1 visit scheduled with their PCP during the 6-month intervention period; of these 1,079 patients attended at least 1 of these visits and will be included in the primary outcome analysis. 66 providers (484 patients) received the peer champion intervention alone, 63 providers (446 patients) received the peer champion intervention and information on insurance coverage, and 62 providers (459 patients) received usual care. On average, patients were 66 years old, 46% were female, 61% were white, and 16% were Hispanic. There were small differences between groups with regards to patient sex, race, ethnicity, partner status, and percent with Medicare insurance. CONCLUSIONS: These medication classes have the potential to reduce cardiovascular and kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes. This study tests interventions to support prescribing of these medications in primary care. CLINICAL TRIAL: Clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: (NCT, Registered: NCT05463705).