Accessibility of diabetes education in the United States: barriers, policy implications, and the road ahead.

ABSTRACT: Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs are an effective, yet underutilized, resource to improve health outcomes and behaviors for people with diabetes. We examined the attendance and referral rates for people with diabetes to DSMES classes at an academic medical center, noting a 10% referral rate and 37% completion rate for those referred. We identified barriers to DSMES care at patient, provider, and health system levels. Current technology platforms and training fail to prioritize referrals to diabetes education; providers and people with diabetes are often unfamiliar with program content and benefits. Scheduling mechanisms often delay or lose interested patients in receiving vital education. Existing Medicare reimbursement strategies limit expansion of DSMES pro

SUBMITTER: Tharakan A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11350287 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature