Date of Award

Spring 5-26-2018

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Kathy James, DNSc, APRN, FAAN

Abstract

Objective: A key component to the management of type 2 diabetes is appropriate self management of the disease by the patient. The purpose of this project was to provide culturally appropriate Diabetes Self Management Education in an underserved primary care setting to improve glycemic control among Spanish speaking patients who have uncontrolled diabetes.

Research Design and Methods: The evidence based practice project took place at a primary care practice in an underserved area. Fifteen Spanish speaking patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes with a hemoglobin A1c greater than 7% were included in the intervention. The intervention included implementation of Diabetes Self Management Education during two separate thirty-minute primary care visits with the provider over a three-month period. During the visit the provider utilized evidenced based education tools and a diabetes take home care record for patients. Both Hemoglobin A1c and body mass index data were collected at baseline and at each visit.

Results: Implementation of DSME during the primary care visit over the three-month period resulted in improved glycemic control as seen by improved Hemoglobin A1c values. The mean Hemoglobin A1c decreased from 8.59 with usual care to 7.84 after the intervention. BMI change was not found to be significant to intervention.

Conclusions: Providers can play an integral role on empowering the patient to take control of their diabetes and prevent harmful health complications. Standardized diabetes education in the primary care setting allows for better health outcomes in relation to diabetes management. Implementation of culturally sensitive diabetes self management education in underserved populations is key to provide effective glycemic control.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS