Abstract
Objective: Take Charge of Your Diabetes (TCYD) is a collaborative diabetes self-management education program designed by Florida extension faculty. The Florida Department of Health funds training and provides technical support. The objective of this project was to expand TCYD outreach to Antigua. Use of Theory or Research: TCYD was designed with the health belief model. Target Audience: Persons with type 2 diabetes living in Antigua. Description: Working collaboratively with the Antigua Medical Benefits Scheme, we planned a January 2010 visit to the island nation, including 1 day of orientation to their health care system to learn their approaches to diabetes self-management education. We worked with 30 Antiguan health professionals, including dietitians, nurses, diabetes educators, and pharmacists, for 3 days, providing research updates and training on program planning, implementation, and evaluation, including ideas for adapting the program for their population. Evaluation: The health professionals were enthusiastic about the training and TCYD, and the program was implemented within 3 months. The Medical Benefits Scheme reported dramatic improvements in self-care practices among participants, and the average hemoglobin A1C level decreased by 2.2%, a significant change that can have profound effects on risk for health complications. A second program is currently being implemented and future expansion is planned. We continue to provide research and program updates. Conclusions and Implications: TCYD can be adapted for use in other cultures when local health professionals receive detailed training and local support for program implementation. Funding: Medical Benefits Scheme, Antigua.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call