Diabetes Self-management Education and Support Completion Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From Local Health Departments in North Carolina

Abstract

Objective: To assess diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) completion rate and explore the differences in DSMES completion by different delivery models. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 2017-2021 DSMES data at 2 local health departments (LHDs) in Eastern North Carolina. We evaluated DSMES completion by 2 delivery models. Results: From 2017 to 2021, the overall DSMES completion rate was 15.3%. The delivery model of two 4-hour sessions was associated with a higher completion rate than the delivery model of four 2-hour sessions (P < .05). Patients with less than a high school education and without health insurance were less likely to have completed their DSMES training (P < .05). Conclusion: The DSMES completion rate at LHDs in North Carolina is very low. A delivery model consisting of 10 hours of education delivered in fewer sessions may contribute to a higher DSMES completion rate, but more research is needed. Targeted programs are needed to engage patients and improve DSMES completion.