Establishing a Diabetes Self-Management Resource for the Self-Pay Client in a Rural Clinic

Author

Emily BirkheadFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2023

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Katie Wollerman

Project Team Faculty Member

Amelia Perez

Keywords

Diabetes Self-Management, DSME, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Self-Pay Client, Diabetes

Abstract

Self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus remains a prominent health concern across the United States. Adherence to treatment plans, medication, and glucose monitoring are often limited by out-of-pocket costs for the client. Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is a set of domains that includes: medication adherence, glucose monitoring, nutrition, exercise, and effective coping mechanisms. DSME programs are provided across the United States helping those with Type 2 diabetes mellitus on their daily habits and management of the condition. DSME programs are largely unavailable to rural communities due to cost and distance barriers, resulting in diabetes education not being readily available in these communities. The greatest disparities are among individuals with Medicare, Medicaid, and without insurance. This project utilized DSME domains, alongside local resources, to formulate a DSME brochure conducive to a designated rural community in south central Florida. The brochure included information regarding affordable glucose monitoring supplies, free medication programs, and resources for: diet, exercise, and coping mechanisms. Brochures were initially designed for self-pay clients, but limitations and unexpected occurrences resulted in difficulty reaching clients without insurance; therefore, the final implementation included distributing brochures to all patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Over the implementation period, 220 DSME brochures were given to clients in the rural clinic over a 3-month period.

Recommended Citation

Birkhead, Emily, "Establishing a Diabetes Self-Management Resource for the Self-Pay Client in a Rural Clinic" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 291.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/291

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