Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Summer 8-17-2025
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Nancy Crider
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this scholarly project was to implement updated culturally tailored diabetes education materials, conduct staff training sessions, and promote consistent documentation of hemoglobin A1c values and adherence to evidence-based guidelines, aligned with current American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards of care. These interventions aimed to reduce the percentage of adults with HbA1c levels greater than 9%.
Background
The project was implemented at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in a rural community of Tomball, Texas. The patient population is 73% Hispanic/Latino, who primarily speak Spanish, and are disproportionately affected by diabetes.
Methodology
The project was implemented using the Chronic Care Model (CCM) and the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) framework. Patient education materials and staff resources were reviewed and updated to align with current evidence-based guidelines and the current ADA standards of care. The staff received training on the ADA-aligned best practices to provide consistent education using standardized resources to ensure documentation among providers. Updated bilingual education handouts were integrated into routine clinical practices to improve outcomes for Hispanic/Latino patients with poor glycemic control. Monthly A1c data, electronic health record audits, and staff feedback were collected and analyzed using run charts, bar graphs, and qualitative data categorized into themes to identify improvements and assess changes in clinical practice and glycemic outcomes.
Results
The pre-intervention performance measure, A1c > 9% (January to June 2024), which is 40% above the national benchmark of 30%. The six-month post-intervention average was 29.72%, meeting the national benchmark. Documentation consistency improved, and the use of updated educational materials increased. The percentage of adults with A1c > 9% decreased from 36.40% in February to 30.10% in June.
Implications
Implementing culturally tailored education materials in patients' primary language, supported by staff training and standardized resources, improved outcomes and documentation practices. Sustaining will require ongoing ordering of educational resources, consistent use of resources, documentation of patient A1c results, and regular chart audits to ensure data accuracy.
Keywords
Keywords Diabetes, glycemic control, hemoglobin A1c, culturally tailored, diabetes education, evidence-based
Recommended Citation
Linda F. Dunbar, "Improving Diabetes Management through Evidence-Based Educational Resources in A Federally Qualified Health Center" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 132.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/132