Organizing and delivering diabetes education and self-care support: findings of scoping project

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of current research and development on the organization and delivery of diabetes education and self-care support, incorporating stakeholder perspectives.

Method: Four methods were used: literature review (159 papers and 52 grey literature items); patient participation event (n = 38); online survey of professionals (n = 423) and patients (n= 495); and, a conference.

Results: The literature review identified themes relating to the organization and delivery of diabetes and self-care support: structure and flexibility in models of education; accessibility; patient choice; integrating self-care within the overall care system; quality improvement; peer educators; health literacy; efficiency in delivery; telecare models; feedback technologies; care planning; psychological intervention; and self-care outcome measures. This generated four models to provide a framework to help shape the development of diabetes self-care: a diabetes education pathway; integrating self-care and clinical care; choice as a method of optimizing care; and an integrated framework for delivering diabetes self-care.

Conclusion: The clinical benefit of the identified models need to be evaluated.