1,3M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania.
2College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Background/Purpose: Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is recommended to ensure persons with diabetes (PWD) receive accurate information and support for living with diabetes. Yet, despite numerous studies on the value of DSMES, referrals and attendance rates are less than 7% of people newly diagnosed with diabetes who use this essential service.
Methods: Forty-two people within 12 months of diagnosis with type 2 diabetes (T2D) participated in the study. Online focus groups ([FGs] synchronous/asynchronous on a private Facebook page) (n = 14) and individual interviews (n = 28) were conducted using a semi-structured guide. The synchronous FGs and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. All transcripts and the text from the asynchronous FG were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.
Results: Of the participants, 23 (55%) received formal diabetes education after diagnosis out of which 20 were referrals from primary care providers. The time-lapse between their first DSMES appointment ranged from the day of T2D diagnosis to up to 8 months after diagnosis. Most of the participants (n = 14, 33%) received DSMES from 1 to 4 weeks after diagnosis. There were four main themes identified: 1) individuals experienced emotional distress from diagnosis and discomfort with seeing a diabetes care and education specialist, 2) the transition phase resulted in emotional distress from self-management requirements, 3) individuals sought a variety of support during the transition period, and 4) immediate self-management support was identified following diagnosis of T2D.
Conclusions: The study found a care gap between T2D diagnosis and receiving DSMES. Primary care providers could be encouraged to provide information about DSMES and their benefits to alleviate any anxiety or doubts about the program. Innovative strategies and tools should be developed to aid PWD in self-management as they transition into DSMES.
Disclosures: The research was supported by the Pennsylvania State University Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Research Fund.