Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop and evaluate an online educational module about diabetes self-management education (DSME) for healthcare providers and health professions students.|Background: Complications from diabetes have a significant impact on the health of Americans, requiring frequent monitoring, medications, and dietary adjustments. The American Diabetes Association identifies that DSME promotes psychological well-being and behavior change and should be included in the plan of care for all individuals with diabetes. Current research has identified that lack of provider endorsement, lack of referrals, and lack of patient education can all impact DSME attendance rates.|Sample/Setting: The sample included students in a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program -Family Nurse Practitioner track at a Midwestern Doctoral/Professional University, healthcare providers at a primary care clinic, and diabetes educators employed by a large healthcare system in the Midwest.|Methods: Participants were invited to participate in on online course about the benefits of DSME. They completed a pre-test, post-test, and course evaluation to assess improvements in participant knowledge, intent to refer, and course content.|Results: Results showed improvements in participant knowledge on DSME and increased likelihood to refer patients annually to diabetes education. Participants also demonstrated improvements in understanding reimbursement rates for DSME.|Conclusion: Findings suggest that an online course is an effective way to increase healthcare provider and health professions students’ knowledge on DSME and increase their intent to refer.