Taking Aim at Diabetes: A Structured Education and Management Program

More than 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. In addition to its health ramifications for patients, the chronic condition is a substantial economic burden. Health experts estimate that the cost of diabetes care globally will reach $2.1 trillion by 2030.

Cleveland Clinic Wooster Family Health Center (FHC) launched a structured diabetes management program in 2020 to address the condition in the rural county it serves approximately 60 miles south of Cleveland.

“We’ve adopted a multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients with diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes,” says Amanda Roth, MHA, BSN, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing for Ambulatory Regional Operations. “We are also focusing on health maintenance, prevention and screening.”

Weekly visits provide multidisciplinary support

The family health center formed the Wooster Diabetes Interprofessional Team to review evidence-based diabetes literature and identify potential interventions. The team includes an advanced practice provider, physician, diabetes educator, pharmacist, nurse manager, clinical nurse and social workers.

Based on their findings, the team created a diabetes management model that entails three weekly appointments with various caregivers. Primary care providers identify patients with type 2 diabetes who might benefit from the program, who then have the option to enroll. The three visits are as follows:

• Week One – Clinical Nurse/Social Worker: The nurse and social worker meet with the patient to explain the program model and discuss expectations; perform a medical examination; gather the patient’s medical, surgical and dietary history; and seek to understand the social determinants of their health issues.

“If patients’ basic needs aren’t meet – if they can’t get the foods they need or afford medications – then they’re probably not going to be successful controlling their diabetes,” says Roth, who was nurse manager at the Wooster FHC when the program began. Together, the nurse and social worker develop an interdisciplinary plan of care for the patient, which is shared with the primary care provider and other caregivers.

• Week Two – Certified Diabetes Educator and Pharmacist: David Hassenzahl, MEd, BSN, RN, CDCES, Inpatient Diabetes Educator, oversees the second appointment. He reviews each case and plan of care, conducts an assessment of the patient’s diabetes skills and knowledge, and provides education.

“I walk patients through the basics of diabetes and provide education geared toward their individual needs. Some patients are newly diagnosed, while others have been on insulin for years,” explains Hassenzahl. “My biggest emphasis is on setting short-term, achievable goals.” For example, he may work with a patient on controlling food portions or setting medication reminders. A month or two later, they set another goal.

After Hassenzahl meets with patients, the pharmacist reviews all drug information and establishes or adjusts the medication treatment plan. They also provide any necessary medication education.

• Week Three – Advanced Practice Provider: During this appointment, either the primary care nurse practitioner or physician assistant reviews the case and works with the patient to establish hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) targets.

After the three visits, patients are monitored by a clinical nurse, who follows up as needed. In recent months, a dietitian, eating disorder psychologist and endocrinologist nurse practitioner have been added to the team. Together, the caregivers meet patients’ holistic needs by offering exercise options, connecting them with financial medication assistance, providing referrals for diabetic eye exams and more.

Program leads to lower HbA1c levels

Patients complete the program once three HbA1c tests, typically done every three months, show they have met their target or levels have dropped. Since 2020, 82 patients have enrolled in the program, with 80% meeting their HbA1c target levels. Prior to the structured diabetes management program, the average HbA1c for patients at the Wooster FHC was 9.47. After completing the program, patients average 7.5.

“The program empowers patients,” concludes Hassenzahl. “They have a complete support system of advocates behind them, driving behavioral changes and making them feel like they can succeed.”