Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair
Tracy Lakin
Subject(s)
Type 2 diabetes, Medical telematics, Health self-care--Type 2 diabetes, Patient education--Type 2 diabetes
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that causes a burden to people with the illness, to their families, and to the healthcare system worldwide. It is a preventable noncommunicable disease that causes significant economic global impacts, especially in areas of rurality and low socioeconomic status. Despite its prevalence in the United States, type 2 diabetes mellitus still poses increased rates of complications and mortality due to ineffective management, improper skills, and lack of knowledge to care for oneself. In addition, this population often lacks self-efficacy or the belief that they can manage and perform tasks to promote desired outcomes and improve quality of life. Diabetes self-management education and support are necessary for patients with all types of diabetes but are highly underutilized, especially in rural communities that lack the resources and availability. Telehealth education and support can provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to increase self-efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes. In rural communities, the use of telehealth or virtual-based education is recommended to reach wide populations and can improve glycemic control. Telehealth-based group education classes have shown positive results in improving HgA1c, self-efficacy, and weight reduction. This evidence-based practice project utilized Zoom group education class sessions with self-reported at-home weekly activities to increase self-efficacy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve HgA1c and weight over a period of 12 weeks. The project was conducted at a rural family practice clinic in Alabama utilizing 12 patients with T2DM. Results of this intervention provided statistically significant reduction of HgA1c and weight over 12 weeks and statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy scores. The results of the scholarly project indicate that the use of telehealth diabetes education for rural populations is impactful.
Recommended Citation
McCarty, Courtney, "Increasing type 2 diabetes mellitus self-efficacy in a rural primary care clinic using telehealth education" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 121.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-dnp/121