The Diabetes educator
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The Diabetes educator · Jun 2019
Patient and Clinician Perceptions of Prediabetes: A Mixed-Methods Primary Care Study.
The purpose of the study was to assess patient and clinician perceptions of prediabetes in an academic family medicine practice. Data were collected in preparation for an implementation study to increase utilization of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (N-DPP). ⋯ Increased patient awareness and patient-centered education is needed to overcome barriers to prediabetes care. To facilitate implementation of N-DPP referral processes, clinicians should clearly communicate risk, treatment information, and linkage to N-DPP as the suggested treatment plan.
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The Diabetes educator · Jun 2018
The 2017 Diabetes Educator and the Diabetes Self-Management Education National Practice Survey.
Purpose The American Association of Diabetes Educators conducts the National Practice Survey (NPS) biennially to document current practice in diabetes education in the United States. The purpose of the study is to obtain insight about factors influencing the work of the diabetes educator. Method The 2017 NPS was comprised of 100 questions covering diabetes educator demographics, profile populations of people with diabetes, practice information, program accreditation, program curriculum, staffing, education delivery methods, data collection, and reporting. ⋯ They are working with individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, those at risk for diabetes, and women with gestational diabetes and are involved in recommending, implementing, and providing key referrals and recommendations for diabetes care, including insulin initiation, titration, medication adjustments, recommendations on devices, and technology. Identified areas for improvement include needs for increased racial and ethnic diversity in the workforce, recruiting young professionals, drawing practice approaches from related disciplines (eg, mental health and disability rehabilitation), and encouraging tracking of more areas of outcomes data. Diabetes educators are playing an increasingly central role within multidisciplinary care teams with people at risk for diabetes, those who have diabetes, and those with other chronic conditions.
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Beck J, Greenwood DA, Blanton L, et al. 2017. National standards for diabetes self-management education and support. Diabetes Educ. 2017;43(5):449-464. (Original DOI: 10.1177/0145721717722968) In the October 2017 issue of The Diabetes Educator, the 2 opening paragraphs of the article contained errors. ⋯ Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is a critical element of care for all people with diabetes. DSMES is the ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care as well as activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage his or her condition on an ongoing basis, beyond or outside of formal self-management training. In previous National Standards for DSMES (Standards), DSMS and DSME were defined separately, but these Standards aim to reflect the value of ongoing support and multiple services.
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The Diabetes educator · Oct 2016
Observational StudyEnhancing Access to Diabetes Self-management Education in Primary Care.
The purpose of this continuous quality improvement project was to improve access to diabetes self-management education (DSME) and to evaluate the impact on glycemic and weight control by translating an academic medical center's DSME program, accredited per the Education Recognition Program (ERP) of the American Diabetes Association, into a program offered at primary care clinics (PCCs). ⋯ PCC DSME availability increased access to group diabetes education and resulted in reduced A1C and weight for participants. This model was successful in translating an established academic accredited DSME-ERP into a PCC. Results have implications for increasing access to diabetes education programs and improving diabetes control for patients not located near major hospital-based DSME programs.
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The Diabetes educator · Apr 2016
Relationship Between Health Literacy and Unintentional and Intentional Medication Nonadherence in Medically Underserved Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy and overall medication nonadherence, unintentional nonadherence, and intentional nonadherence. Limited health literacy may be associated with worse diabetes outcomes, but the literature shows mixed results, and mechanisms remain unclear. Medication adherence is associated with diabetes outcomes and may be a mediating factor. Distinguishing between unintentional and intentional nonadherence may elucidate the relationship between health literacy and nonadherence in patients with type 2 diabetes. ⋯ Results suggest differences in factors affecting intentional and unintentional nonadherence. The findings also suggest interventions are needed to decrease unintentional nonadherence among patients with type 2 diabetes and limited health literacy. Efforts to address unintentional medication nonadherence among patients with type 2 diabetes with limited health literacy may improve patient health.