Increasing Access to Diabetes Education in Rural Alabama Through Telehealth.

ABSTRACT: The high prevalence of diabetes in Alabama and the limited diabetes education available to patients in that state suggest that new interventions are needed. To that end, the authors developed a project to assess whether the use of telehealth technology to deliver diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) in a small group setting is an effective and acceptable way to increase access to such education by underserved individuals. Certified diabetes educators, RNs, and telehealth services at three rural county health departments in Alabama implemented a DSMES program. Data were collected from participant registration forms, pre- and postintervention surveys, and telehealth surveys to assess participants' baseline and postintervention diabetes knowledge, self-care, and sense of self-efficacy. Blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and weight were also measured before and after the intervention. Forty-two people attended the DSMES program and participated in its evaluation. The findings demonstrated that for this sample, telehealth was an effective and acceptable way to conduct DSMES. The substantial improvements in health status, coupled with the fact that most participants had never participated in a DSMES program before, highlight the untapped potential of such programs to increase access to diabetes education in underserved areas.

Building Bridges: The Journey of Alabama's Health Action Coalition.

AIM: The Alabama Health Action Coalition is a state coalition whose purpose is to enable access to high-quality, safe, and patient-centered health care for all Alabamians by leading change in nursing and health care. BACKGROUND: The Alabama Health Action Coalition has four focus areas: advancing nursing education, improving nursing workforce data, promoting diversity among nursing and health care professionals, and fostering a culture of health. METHOD: From 2012 to 2014, the Advancing Education Taskforce and Health Workforce Committee initiated processes to maximize resources, track changes in workforce data, and provide support for goal achievement. RESULTS: Outcomes included an increase in the number of nurses with a BSN and higher degrees from 35 percent to 50 percent, nearing national averages. CONCLUSION: Tracking of trends continues with 2016 data. This growth is particularly important in a state with a large, underserved population and high percentage of rural areas.