Increasing the Utilization of Outpatient Diabetes Education Programs

Abstract

Under the auspices of the Washington State Diabetes Con trol Program, 22 local diabetes outpatient education programs participated in a project to iden tify strategies for improving the use of their programs. A phone survey of 228 physicians and 64 patients with diabetes in Washington State was conducted to determine awareness of the programs, frequency, and type of patient referrals, and percep tions of strengths and weak nesses of the programs. Ninety- one percent of physicians and 66% of patients reported they knew of local programs, but only 36% of the physicians routinely referred patients. The primary source of information about diabetes and about diabetes education programs reported by patients was their physician. Specific survey find ings were used by participants to develop strategies for increasing referrals.