Abstract

The purpose was to assess the efficacy of a unique, interprofessional collaborative team (IPCT) in educating patients with diabetes in self-management strategies.An urban, community/academic-based healthcare IPCT used a systems-based approach to develop a diabetes self-management education (DSME) program. Patients participated in pre and post self-care behavioral assessments. Two surveys investigated the growth of the individual IPCT members and perceptions of overall team effectiveness.The majority of patients self-reported meeting a minimum of two goals. Patients' clinical markers of A1C, BMI and blood pressure decreased from pre-program to post. The overall team self-rating was 3.84 on a 1 (poor) – 4 (excellent) scale.Moving from autonomous practitioners to an effective IPCT required using succinct communication and collaboration strategies, a systems approach, attaining diabetes education certification, and a community/academic partnership. These factors contributed to an effective IPCT and enabled patients to reach self-selected, behavior change goals.

Citation

Engelhard, C., Brown, B., Lonneman, W., Kishigawa, A. & Warner, D. (2018). Development and assessment of an interprofessional team facilitating a community-based diabetes program. Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 10(1), 76-80. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved February 6, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/205120/.

Keywords

• Diabetes education
• Diabetes management
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Interprofessional team