Staff Education on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a major health concern that affects the physical and financial facets of communities. During the past 4 years, a multidisciplinary health care clinic in a northern state reported an increase in the number of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Forty-three percent (43%) of adults with T2D had an elevated glycated hemoglobin A1c of 7.5% or higher. Yet, the staff at the clinic lacked current knowledge of T2D, quality of care, and prevention strategies for patients with T2D. This resulted in increased serious health care issues, associated costs, and increased complications of the patients with T2D. The purpose of this project was to develop an education program guided by Orem’s self-care model, Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, and Knowles’s adult learning theory to determine whether an education program on T2D would increase staff’s knowledge of T2D. After a review of the literature an evidence-based education program was developed that covered the current standards of care for T2D. A standardized knowledge test was administered to 9 staff followed by the education program. A posttest was then administered to the same 9 staff to determine if knowledge increased. A paired samples t-test was used to determine if post scores had increased compared to the pretest scores and showed a significant improvement (M =1.22, p = .047). Positive social change may result when staff are knowledgeable of T2D care and management and can offer informed support to patients and family and in so doing enable patients to lead healthier lifestyles