TLC Program

Background to the TLC program

• The TLC Diabetes program has been developed in Australia as a joint initiative between Monash University, Boston University, the University of Queensland, and Queensland University of Technology. TLC was first developed by the Medical Information Systems Unit at Boston Medical Center, Boston University, in association with colleagues at other institutions in the USA. TLC programs have now been used by over 3000 participants in more than 20 RCTs conducted over more than 10 years throughout the US in both clinical and community samples, aged between 5 and 100 years old. The majority of the clinical interventions have been with patients between 40-75 years.
• Trials in the US have demonstrated the benefits of TLC programs in improving physical activity, nutrition and medication taking.  TLC system users in the US have reported high acceptability with more than 60 percent of individuals in a number of studies rating the system high on satisfaction and helpfulness.
• The main advantage of this system is that participants can call at a time and place that suits them, at no cost.  For someone with diabetes, having access to support and advice at a time which suits them is vital.
• Early trials of the TLC system in Australia have been very positively received by participants; a major advantage of using the system was it provided round the clock help and advice for patients.
• The Australian TLC Diabetes Program is funded by: HCF, NHMRC and Queensland Health