Date of Conferral
10-21-2026
Date of Award
October 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Teresa Nardontonia
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic condition in primary care that requires effective patient self-management education. Primary care nurses play a critical role in providing diabetes education; however, inconsistent training may affect the quality and consistency of patient education. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) executive leadership systems improvement project proposed a Standardized Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program in a primary care clinic. The identified practice problem is the lack of standardized diabetes education at the project site. The practice-focused question is as follows: Will a proposed standardized DSMES program for nurses and patients in a primary care clinic be endorsed by organizational leadership? The analytic strategies include staff education, workflow and operational standardization, and an ongoing monitoring plan. Site evaluation revealed nurses' lack of DSMES training and low confidence in teaching blood glucose monitoring and medication adherence. A literature search across multiple search engines identified 86 articles supporting the use of a standardized DSMES framework for staff and patients. Major products include an evidence-based curriculum, knowledge and confidence assessments, a fidelity checklist, and an evaluation plan. The program proposal impacts nursing by supporting evidence-based practice and promotes health equity and positive social change by affording patients a standardized approach to their care.
Recommended Citation
AGBO, ESTHER EBERE, "A Proposal for a Standardized Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program to Enhance Primary Care Nurses' Knowledge and Confidence" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20940.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20940
