Last updated July 18, 2026
Key finding
The fully adjusted mean SRQ-20 score was 6.29 for the intervention group and 7.75 for the usual care group, resulting in a mean difference of -1.46 (95% CI, -2.73 to -0.19; P = .02).
This study evaluated the impact of an interactive virtual assistant device on mental health and diabetes management in older adults with diabetes, finding significant improvements in several outcomes.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
High Risk
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the impact of an interactive virtual assistant device on mental health and diabetes management in older adults with diabetes, finding significant improvements in several outcomes.
These findings suggest that integrating technology like interactive virtual assistants into diabetes care can enhance mental health and self-management among older adults. This could lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for this population, highlighting the potential for technology to play a crucial role in chronic disease management.
The effectiveness of the intervention remains unclear for some outcomes. The study may not be generalizable to younger populations. Potential confounding factors were not fully addressed.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Lucas SM, Frederico LDC, Laura GBDB, et al. Can an Interactive Virtual Assistant Device Improve Mental Health and Diabetes Management Among Older Individuals with Diabetes?. JAMA Network Open. 2026;9(1):e2553508. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.53508
Mental distress decreased by 1.46 points (SRQ-20 score) in the intervention group (P = .02).
Quality of life increased by 9.46 points (SF-36 score) in the intervention group (P = .001).
Adherence to diabetes self-care improved by 3.40 points (SCI-R score) in the intervention group (P < .001).
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) and Diabetes self-management behaviors, HbA1c, Psychological Distress, and 2 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot)
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
2
Related topics
5
Evidence pairs
380
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → Diabetes self-management behaviors
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → Diabetes self-management behaviors
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → HbA1c
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → HbA1c
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → Psychological Distress
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → Psychological Distress
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → Quality of life
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → Quality of life
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → Stress score
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) → Stress score
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) and HbA1c, Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) and Diabetes Distress.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Devices & Technology
Devices & Technology
Devices & Technology
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Diabetes Distress
Measures Diabetes Distress as a key outcome.
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
All studies on Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot)
Contributes to Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) evidence base.
All studies measuring Quality of Life Outcomes
Measures Quality of Life Outcomes as a key outcome.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) appears to improve Diabetes self-management behaviors.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Diabetes self-management behaviors
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) appears to improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) appears to improve Psychological Distress.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Psychological Distress
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Interactive Virtual Assistant Device (Smart Speaker Echo Dot) appears to improve Quality of life.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Quality of life
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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