Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

FOUNDATIONS OF DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT| 2-17

Initially, the superiority of the empowerment approach was challenging to demonstrate via traditional research methods. However, as it was implemented and trialled, it became evident that the empowerment approach is essential for successful diabetes management (12,30,32,47,49). Programs using this approach have resulted in more patients achieving the target A1C of less than 7%, decreased utilization of outpatient services and improved quality of care (42). Patients need to be knowledgeable and proactive in their decision-making and understand the consequences of their informed choice. This can best be achieved through the empowerment approach. Currently, it is the gold standard of practice and has been widely adopted (3,10,12). The patient/family-centred care movement rests on this key principle: collaboration through the empowerment approach with patients and families to form true partnerships is essential (42,50,51).

Table 2. Paradigm Shift

Medical Model

Self-Management Model

Health professional authority

Patient is in charge

•

•

Patient education is prescriptive

Patient is self-directed

•

•

Goals set by professional

• Goals set by patient in collaboration with HCP

•

Education designed for compliance

• Education to facilitate informed decision making

•

Choice, control and consequences

•

Adapted from Anderson & Funnell (45)