Q2 Brief: Lark’s 2023 Published Clinical Studies

We are delighted to announce the results of our latest 2023 clinical studies. These studies serve as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering clinically proven solutions for chronic condition prevention and management and to supporting total population health. From cost-savings in our diabetes prevention program to the transformative impact of remote patient monitoring technologies, the findings validate Lark's position as the industry leader. With a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and evidence-based healthcare, Lark continues to redefine the boundaries of accessible and clinically validated care coaching.

“Health plans and employers are inundated with new digital care programs all claiming to do the same things for their members – reduce stress, lose weight, and so on. At Lark, we are dedicated to not only developing clinically sound and effective technology but validating that our programs work,” said Lynne Nowak, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Lark Health. “Lark’s mission is to deliver quality care coaching to anyone at any time and anywhere. The only way we can achieve this is by finding the right balance between technology and healthcare, and these studies validate our ability to do that.”

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Lark Digital Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Supports Cost Savings

A study published in Obesity Science and Practice titled, “Weight Loss and Modeled Cost Savings in a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program,” confirms that Lark’s scalable, AI-powered DPP can reduce staffing needs and shows cost savings for DPPs delivered via other modalities (e.g., in-person, hybrid). The study demonstrates the significant cost savings of utilizing an AI-powered coaching solution. The estimated medical cost savings for 11,976 members who achieved weight loss and participation outcomes was $12,957,073. 

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Digital DPP Demonstrates Successful Outcomes in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs)

Published in Population Health Management titled, “Weight Loss in a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program for People in Health Professional Shortage and Rural Areas,” revealed that Lark’s DPP can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by promoting weight loss in areas where residents may not otherwise have access to diabetes prevention services. A highlight from the study found that member weight loss did not differ by HPSA or rural/urban status despite greater potential barriers for members residing in HPSAs (e.g., highest starting body mass index and lowest income and education). 

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Decreased Depressive Symptoms Observed Among Lark Digital Coaching Members

In an abstract titled, “A Longitudinal Examination of Depressive Symptoms in a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program,” Lark researchers examined longitudinal self-reported depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire 2 (PHQ-2) at months zero, two, four, and six of engaging with Lark’s DPP. The results demonstrated decreases in depressive symptoms, regardless of initial body mass index, and that those who lost weight experienced greater decreases. These findings indicate that reductions in depressive symptoms may be one benefit of participation in Lark’s digital lifestyle change programs. 

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Importance of Strategic User Experience Development for Care Coaching Technology

In a new study titled, “Designing Relational AI-Powered Digital Health Coaching for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management,” Lark’s clinical and design teams developed a conceptual framework of the coaching relationship between human coaches and patients for long-term chronic disease prevention and management that establishes a basis for the design and development of relational digital health coaching. The study demonstrates how Lark’s design team incorporated critical elements of human coaches into the Lark digital coach to ensure that it can develop meaningful and effective coaching relationships with members of the Lark programs. The full results of the study will be presented at the upcoming Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) International conference taking place from July 23 – 28 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Self-Monitoring Technology Combined with Digital Coaching Improves Health Outcomes 

A study published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth titled, “The Effects of Providing a Connected Scale in an App-Based Digital Health Program: Cross-sectional Examination,” found that remote patient monitoring technologies such as digital weight scales may improve health outcomes including weight loss when combined with additional interventions such as care coaching. The study analyzed 3,488 members enrolled in the digital wellness program, Lark Prevention, and found that members provided with a cellular weight scale were significantly more engaged and remained active in the program for longer than those without a scale.  

If you want to learn more about Lark’s clinical outcomes, contact us today.