Factors associated with attendance at a pharmacist-led group diabetes self-management education class and impact on health outcomes
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Group education has demonstrated benefits among people with diabetes, including reduced A1C and improved self-monitoring practices. Despite this, attendance rates are low for a variety of reasons, including lack of understanding of potential benefits among patients. Objectives: The pharmacist-led diabetes self-management education program at a community hospital has low attendance. This project assesses characteristics associated with attendance and compares outcomes among attendees and non-attendees. Methods: Retrospective data was collected between July 2022 and December 2023. Variables included: age, sex, class attendance, pre- and ≥ 90-day post-class A1C, pre- and post-class BMI, attending pharmacist-led clinic prior to scheduled class, social determinants of health screening survey responses, and diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Results: < 0.001) was associated with attendance. Age, gender, concurrent mental health diagnoses (depression and anxiety), and SDOH related needs were not associated with attendance. Baseline A1C was similar for attendees and non-attendees (9.6 vs. 9.7 %, respectively). Post-class A1C was 7.4 % for attendees of at least one class and 8 % for non-attendees. Patients who attended all four classes achieved a mean A1C <7 %. Discussion: There are many factors that lead to lack of engagement with group education for diabetes. Referral to group education by a pharmacist who has established rapport with the patient and can speak to specific details about benefits of the classes may improve attendance at diabetes group education.
Authors: Olivia Ramey, Christopher Gildea
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,800
OpenAlex ID: W4403325388