Do behavioral traits shape patient-initiated care? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in a type 1 diabetes population

This study investigates how individuals with different behavioral traits respond to increased patient responsibility in chronic disease management. Utilizing data from a randomized controlled trial, we explore the effects of patient-initiated visits on treatment outcomes among individuals with type 1 diabetes in Denmark. We examine the variations in patient satisfaction, contacts to the diabetes clinic and diabetes outcome (long-term glucose levels) by differences in time preferences, self-perceived self-control, and health literacy. Our findings show that patient-initiated visits enhance patient satisfaction and reduce health care resource utilization. However, individuals with lower self-control experience a significant decrease in diabetes outcome in contrast to their counterpart with higher self-control. These results highlight the need for tailored chronic disease management approaches that consider individual behavioral traits to ensure equitable health outcomes.