Journal of Primary Care & Community Health (Oct 2012)

Diabetes Implementation of a Self-management Program in Resource Poor and Rural Community Clinics

  • Terry C. Davis,
  • Hilary K. Seligman,
  • Darren A. DeWalt,
  • Daci J. Platt,
  • Cristalyn Reynolds,
  • Donna F Timm,
  • Connie L. Arnold

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2150131911435673
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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Purpose: To evaluate the implementation of a brief diabetes self-management support intervention designed for resource-poor community clinics. Methods: The authors conducted a pilot study among patients with type 2 diabetes in 3 community clinics. The intervention consisted of research assistants introducing and reviewing a diabetes self-management guide, helping patients set an achievable behavioral action plan, and following up with 2 telephone sessions. The primary outcome was patients’ success setting and achieving behavioral goals. Results: All participants set an action plan (N = 247); most focused on physical activity or diet (97%). The initial session took an average of 15 minutes. At 2 to 4 weeks, 200 participants were contacted; 68% recalled their action plan; and 84% of these achieved it. At 6 to 9 weeks, approximately half of those who completed the first call were reached for the second call. Of those who remained in the intervention, 79% recalled their action plan, and 80% of these achieved it. At the end of the study, 62% of those initially enrolled reported behavior change. Most participants who did not complete the intervention could not be reached for telephone follow-up. Conclusions: Although only about a third of patients remained engaged through the 2 follow-up calls, most of those who did reported they had achieved their action plan. This pilot study provides insight into initiating brief diabetes self-management strategies in resource-poor community clinics. Although telephone follow-up was challenging, using the self-management guide and action plan framework, particularly during the initial clinic visit, helped focus patients on behavior change.