DescriptionPurpose of Project:
This DNP project intended to identify individuals who may need improvement in diabetes self-management, properly refer these patients to diabetes self-management education support services that could help them achieve positive clinical outcomes and promote awareness of the benefits of diabetes self-management education services among primary care providers and patients.
Methodology:
Design: Quality Improvement study
Setting: primary care office
Population: People with type II diabetes, ages 45y/o-75y/o, English speaking with hemoglobin A1C level >7%; 264 Charts were reviewed, 11 patients participated, 4 providers participated
Study interventions: Initial retrospective chart review was completed for data collection; patients completed the Diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ); results from the questionnaire and the most recent hemoglobin A1C values obtained from the chart review were statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation test; patients and providers participated in educational sessions about diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services utilizing the CDC toolkit information; at the end of the educational sessions, patients and providers completed a survey.
Results:
Correlation test: Hgb A1C value was the 1st variable and the result from DSMQ was the 2nd variable. Pearson correlation: .057 and, significance: .869, results not statistically significant, therefore, no association or correlation between these two variables was observed.
Survey for providers: 75% found very important to assess self-management levels,50% were very knowledgeable about DSMES, 100% mostly increased their knowledge in DSMES, 100% most likely to refer patients to DSMES
Survey for patients: 9.1% had no interest in a referral for DSMES, 9.1% had little interest, 36.4% were somewhat interested, 45.5% were extremely interested in a referral.
Implications for Practice:
DSMES demonstrated through the evidence to be cost-effective by preventing complications and reducing hospitalizations, improves skills and knowledge and helps patients achieve better quality of life. Based on the findings it is recommended in clinical practice for providers to assess patients for diabetes self-management through a valid tool, to discuss with patients about the benefits of diabetes self-management education support services and to initiate the referral process to these services.