Training peers to provide ongoing diabetes self-management support (DSMS): results from a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Community Health
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Diabetes self-management support (DSMS) interventions are crucial for managing diabetes.
• Translating evidence-based DSMS interventions into community settings remains a challenge.
• Peer-led support models offer a potential solution for sustainable DSMS delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility of training adults with diabetes to lead DSMS interventions.
• To assess if participants can meet graduation criteria after peer leader training (PLT).
• To evaluate participant satisfaction and perceived efficacy of the PLT program.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week, 46-hour pilot peer leader training (PLT) program was conducted with nine African-American adults with diabetes.
• Training incorporated diverse instructional methods, core diabetes education, and skills in communication, facilitation, and behavior change.
• Competency was assessed via three attempts for diabetes knowledge, facilitation, active listening, and self-efficacy.

Main Results:

• On the first attempt, pass rates were: 75% for diabetes knowledge, 75% for facilitation, 63% for active listening, and 75% for self-efficacy.
• All participants who did not pass initially achieved competency on their second attempt.
• Participants reported high satisfaction with program length, content-skills balance, and readiness to lead support activities.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate that it is feasible to train and graduate peer leaders equipped with the necessary skills for DSMS interventions.
• Peer support, following appropriate training, presents a viable strategy for implementing and sustaining DSMS in community settings.