The conceptual framework of the National Diabetes Education Outcomes System (NDEOS)

This article describes the systems-based conceptual framework for the definition of diabetes education outcomes and the development of the National Diabetes Education Outcomes System (NDEOS).

Development of the NDEOS was based on integrating diabetes education into the diabetes care system; identifying and tracking standardized learning, behavioral, and clinical outcomes measurements; and gathering data at the individual, program, and national levels. Each component was formulated based on available literature and through consensus with the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Outcomes Task Force and other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.

Behavior change is the key outcome measurement for diabetes self-management education (DSME). In addition, diabetes educators should collect other immediate, intermediate, and long-term outcomes for monitoring the impact of DSME. The NDEOS system includes standardized data collection tools for the participant, the educator, and the program manager, and provides reports at the individual, program, and national levels.

By capturing outcomes data using valid, reliable, and evidence-based tools, the NDEOS strives to support diabetes educators and provide a uniform data set that can be used to influence public policy, support reimbursement negotiations, and assist researchers.