Journal of Primary Care & Community Health (Jun 2020)

Pilot Implementation of Adapted-Family Diabetes Self-Management Education Into a Clinical Setting

  • Pearl A. McElfish,
  • Christopher R. Long,
  • Aaron J. Scott,
  • Jonell S. Hudson,
  • Lauren Haggard-Duff,
  • Angel Holland,
  • Thomas K. Schulz,
  • Ralph O. Wilmoth,
  • James P. Selig

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2150132720931289
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Objectives: Marshallese are a Pacific Islander community that experience a disproportionate rate of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of an Adapted-Family Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) intervention among Marshallese adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and their family members when delivered in a clinical setting. Methods: Marshallese patients (primary participants) with type 2 diabetes (n = 10) and their family members (n = 10) enrolled in a pilot study deigned to evaluate an Adapted-Family DSME curriculum conducted by community health workers and a certified diabetes educator in a clinical setting. Primary and family participants’ health information and biometric data (HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index) were collected at preintervention and 12 weeks postintervention. Results: All 10 primary participants and 8 of the family members received all 10 hours of the education intervention. Nine of the 10 primary participants and 8 of the 10 family members completed the pre- and postintervention data collection events. Primary participants demonstrated a mean decrease in HbA1c of 0.7%, from pre- to postintervention, as well as improved blood pressure and cholesterol. Family members demonstrated minor improvements in HbA1c and blood pressure. Conclusions: Results suggest preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the Adapted-Family DSME in a clinic setting and will inform implementation of a fully powered study.