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Published on: June 11, 2012
Effectiveness of Diabetes Self-Management Education in Community Health
Keila Brown1, Loretta T Lee1,2, Cynthia Selleck1,2
1Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
Background:
Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs utilize a multidisciplinary, skills-based approach allowing participants to make self-management choices and follow a comprehensive plan of care, improving their glycemic control.
Objective:
The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the effectiveness of DSME on the reduction of hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) and body mass index (BMI) in overweight/obese community health center patients.
Methods:
The free program met 2 hours weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. A retrospective chart review was conducted to compare baseline to post-session HgbA1c and BMI 12 weeks after completion of the program. Pre- and post-session surveys were also conducted to assess improved diabetes knowledge and confidence.
Results:
Mean HgbA1c decreased by 1.6% (p = .003) 12 weeks after completion of the program; however, BMI remained unchanged (p = .582). Diabetes knowledge and confidence also improved significantly following DSME (p = .000 and p = .001, respectively).
Conclusions:
The study demonstrated that a reduction in HgbA1c levels and an increase in diabetes knowledge and confidence can occur in low income, community health center patients following participation in DSME.
Implications For Nursing:
Community health center patients who have access to free DSME can improve their health, self-efficacy, and diabetes self-management practices.
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