DescriptionPurpose: This presentation will showcase how diabetes distress can be reduced with the implementation of patient-centered meetings. The prevalence of diabetes continues to rise in the United States. Despite effective treatment options, there are many barriers to patients attempting to achieve therapy goals. Diabetes distress is a recognized barrier to patients living with diabetes.
Methods: The project utilized a quasi-experimental approach with the Diabetes Distress Scale tool administered to patients pre and post intervention. The project took place in a primary care clinic serving an urban city in Essex County, New Jersey. The sample consisted of individuals with type 2 diabetes, A1C levels above 7% and measured levels of diabetes distress. Meetings were bi-monthly and took place over a three-month period of time. During these sessions, motivational interviewing techniques were used to discover patient-specific obstacles and needs. Patients were provided guidance in diabetes education and behavioral modification. Patients were engaged through personalized goal setting and strategies to help improve their self-management.
Results: Only one participant completed all six one-on-one meetings. After completing the six sessions of individualized support the patient exhibited a 58% decrease in total diabetes distress levels; a reduction from moderate to severe distress to little or no distress. Reductions in distress were also achieved in the subscales of the Diabetes Distress Scale.
Conclusions: The findings support current research and recommendations. Through individualized support and education, patients’ diabetes distress levels were reduced. The patient was able to increase lifestyle modification adherence and left the final meeting feeling confident in their self-management skills. Additional research is needed to determine the clinical effects on A1C after lowering distress levels.