Developing a Culturally Sensitive Telephone Follow-up Program for African American Women With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, and African Americans and other minorities are disproportionately affected by this disease. Complications from diabetes in most cases can be prevented or delayed with tight glycemic control. Diabetes self-management education has been shown through research to help patients achieve at-goal HgbA1c levels, but despite the availability of education classes, complications from the disease are still a significant health care issue. The aim of this DNP project was to develop culturally sensitive content for a telephone follow-up program, with emphasis on nutrition management, blood glucose self-monitoring, and physical activity. This project is intended to help improve glucose control in adult African American females with uncontrolled diabetes through achievement of at-goal HgbA1c levels, increased physical activity, and consistent glucose monitoring. As a result of this focus, the Improving Diabetes through Earnest and Active Living (IDEAL) toolkit was designed. This toolkit consists of a sample call script and 8 weeks of content for telephone calls that focus on nutrition management, blood glucose monitoring, and physical activity. The chronic care model was used to guide this evidence-based project, and Rossworm and Larrabee's model for evidence-based practice change was used to guide the change process. A framework for program evaluation developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be recommended to the organization to be used for the evaluation of outcomes. This project will facilitate improved patient outcomes and decreased healthcare expenditures, which will lead to positive social change for the women who participate.
