Diabetes self-management education for adults with type 2 diabetes via telehealth in conjunction with remote patient monitoring: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this evidence implementation project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding the delivery of diabetes self-management education via telehealth in conjunction with remote patient monitoring within the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Center for Telehealth.


INTRODUCTION
Diabetes self-management education plays a critical role in supporting self-care behaviors that can improve glycemic control, but certain patient populations have poor access to this service. Telehealth offers an innovative approach to addressing geographical and socioeconomic barriers to diabetes self-management education.


METHODS
This evidence implementation project used the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) framework for promoting evidence-based healthcare.


APPLICATION
A baseline audit was conducted to identify areas of strengths where best practices were already being implemented and areas of opportunity for improvement. The project team aligned on practical and sustainable interventions for delivering optimal diabetes self-management education via telehealth. Postimplementation audits were conducted to determine success of the interventions.


RESULTS
Baseline audits revealed an average compliance of 47.7% with five best practices for diabetes self-management education for adults with type 2 diabetes via telehealth. After strategies to improve compliance were implemented, compliance improved to 80%.


CONCLUSIONS
The objectives of this project were realized. The team was able to promote evidence-based practices regarding the delivery of education via telehealth in conjunction with remote patient monitoring, as evidenced by a measurable improvement in adherence to best practices. The primary intervention focused on individualization of education based on patient-specific needs.