Diabetes Self Management Education and Support (DSMES) has been shown to improve health outcomes. However, despite considerable evidence that DSMES services are cost-effective and have a positive impact on diabetes-related outcomes, utilization of DSMES services is suboptimal. In the United States, less than 5 percent of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes and 6.8 percent of privately insured people with diagnosed diabetes have used DSMES services.1,2
Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this toolkit is a cost-effective and evidence-based approach with resources and tools in one place to assist with the development, promotion, implementation and sustainability of DSMES services. Expanded use of DSMES can help ensure that all people with diabetes receive the support they need. Specifically, the toolkit is designed to:
- Communicate the evidence supporting DSMES, including the clinical and economic benefits
- Clarify the process for establishing a DSMES service that meets minimum standards and is eligible for reimbursement
- Provide resources and tools to facilitate becoming a recognized or accredited DSMES provider
- Describe common barriers to DSMES use and referral, and provide tips for overcoming these barriers
This month, the toolkit’s featured content is When Diabetes Self-Management Education Is Emergency Medicine which can be used to help patients with their diabetes management during times of emergency.
Our goal is to help with the prevention and management of chronic diseases by preventing cardiovascular events, promoting tobacco cessation, improving the management of diabetes to decrease diabetes complications, identifying people at high risk for developing diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Healthy behaviors directly contribute to positive health outcomes. Chronic disease self-management education programs also impact the development of long-term change for a healthy lifestyle. For more information on our services and resources, visit the Great Plains QIN Web site.
1. Strawbridge LM, Lloyd JT, Meadow A, Riley GF, Howell BL. Use of Medicare’s Diabetes Self-Management Training Benefit. Health Educ Behav. 2015;42(4):530-538.
2. Strawbridge LM, Lloyd JT, Meadow A, Riley GF, Howell BL. One-Year Outcomes of Diabetes Self-Management Training Among Medicare Beneficiaries Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes. Med Care. 2017;55(4):391-397.