Evaluation of a diabetes specialty centre: structure, process and outcome

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a diabetes specialty centre in assisting clients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to improve their metabolic control and quality of life. A single-subject repeated measures design was used where data was collected on entry to the program, immediately following the 2-day education sessions, and at both 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. Structure and process were taken into consideration, and the main outcome variables measured were knowledge, attitudes, metabolic control (hemoglobin A1c) and perceived quality of life. These variables were chosen in the belief that many factors can influence behaviour and it is the combination of these factors which results in behavioural change and ultimately improvement in metabolic control and quality of life. The main findings were that the facilities and documentation records were adequate, the clients perceived that the primary function of the center was medical management rather than education, and knowledge, metabolic control and quality of life improved significantly after the program. For clients, perceived happiness and quality of life were primary issues. Therefore, improvement in quality of life should be one of the primary goals of diabetes education programs.