Providing Diabetes Education
and Support
Historically, DSME/S has been provided through a
formal program where patients and family members participate
in an outpatient service conducted at a hospital/
health facility. In keeping with evolving health care
delivery systems and in meeting the needs of primary
care, DSME/S is now being incorporated into office practices,
medical homes, and accountable care organizations.
Receiving DSME/S in alternative and convenient
settings, such as community health centers and pharmacies,
and through technology-based programs is becoming
more available and affords increased access.
Regardless of the setting, communicating the information
and supporting skills that are necessary to promote
effective coping and self-management required for dayto-day
living with diabetes necessitate a personalized and
comprehensive approach. Effective delivery involves
experts in educational, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral
diabetes care.34,35 Clear communication and effective
collaboration among the health care team that
includes a provider, an educator, and a person with diabetes
are critical to ensure that goals are clear, that progress
toward goals is being made, and that appropriate
interventions (educational, psychosocial, medical, and/or
behavioral) are being used. A patient-centered approach
to DSME/S at diagnosis provides the foundation for current
and future needs. Ongoing DSME/S can help the
person to overcome barriers and to cope with the ongoing
demands in order to facilitate changes during the
course of treatment and life transitions.