Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-2021

Academic Year

2020-2021

Abstract

Introduction: Group diabetes education courses are proven to improve patients’ diabetes knowledge and metabolic control. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, Stephen Klein Wellness Center (SKWC) shifted their diabetes education course to an online format over Zoom. This study aimed to investigate difference in patient experience and course effectiveness between the in-person and online courses.

Methods: The population for this study includes 89 patients at SKWC that completed either the in-person or online diabetes education course. Participant satisfaction was measured with phone interviews and a survey. Course effectiveness was measured using surveys to assess the change in patients’ weight, amount of physical activity, and diet habits. The phone interviews will be analyzed for themes via in NVIVO and the survey results were analyzed using percent changes.

Results: Preliminary results for the effectiveness of the course for in-person cohorts include an average weight loss of 0.43%, an average improvement in diet by 23%, and an improvement in physical activity by 59%. According to the satisfaction survey, the in person cohort was very satisfied with the course. These results will be compared to the results from the online cohort.

Conclusion: Preliminary analysis concludes that the in-person diabetes course is an effective delivery model and leaves patients very satisfied with their experience. Based on preliminary interview evidence, researchers predict that the online course will be an equally effective and satisfactory method for providing diabetes education. The implications of this finding include declaring the Zoom diabetes education course an evidence based model of online diabetes education that can be continued post pandemic.

Language

English

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