Implementing a Diabetic Education Program at Ho'ola Lahui Hawaii Kaua'i Community Health Center

<p>Diabetic complications tend to be common among people with poor diabetes control and can result in debilitating conditions and increased clinical costs. In this aspect, implementing an evidence based diabetic program aims to explore how educational interventions can increase patients self-awareness regarding management of the disease process and the complications that can occur in order to improve their HbA1c levels. Twenty patients from Ho'ola Lahui Hawaii Kaua'i Community Health Center participated in a 3- month diabetic education class in order to assist them in lifestyle change management. Participants’ HbA1c levels were collected before and post completion of the diabetic education program. Data analysis focused on comparing the baseline and post implementation A1c levels in order to explore any changes concerning patients health status. The A1c level changes represented the effect of the evidence based diabetic education program on improving the health status of participants. Results revealed that a significant number of patients had improved HbA1c levels indicating that less than 20% of participant’s had A1C levels greater than 9%. The findings suggest that participation in weekly classes and assimilation of educational materials, group discussions, and hands on learning increased self-management awareness with diabetic control resulting in improved HbA1c levels among a number of patients. The significance of the results highlights an opportunity for health care providers and clinical professionals to use evidence based educational strategies in order to promote self-awareness among diabetic patients.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Level thesis:degree_level

Restricted Project/Capstone - USF access only

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Spung, Debra A

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elena Capella, EdD, MSN, MPA, RN, CNL, CPHQ, LNCC

• Public Health and Community Nursing

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/204

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.usfca.edu:capstone-1213