Evaluation of diabetes education programs: getting the answers you need

In the time that has passed since our evaluation, 14 of the 16 recommendations we made have been addressed by the education staff and incorporated into the program. Program monitoring methods have been implemented and patient follow-up has been improved. After the recommendations were incorporated into the program, a final but noteworthy outcome of the evaluation process was achieved. Formal recognition as a model diabetes patient education program was given by the state of Ohio Diabetes Control Program. Systematic evaluation of a patient education program may seem an overwhelming and impossible task to accomplish, but with some creative brainstorming with staff it can be done. And the payoffs are worth the effort.