Current status of community based diabetes education in China: A Shanghai sample

The study analyzed the status of diabetes education at community in a developed city. A community with sixteen health clinics was enrolled in the study. Questionnaires were used and qualitative interview applied to four clinics and their physicians in the area. Investigation focused on the plan, educator, program, costs, evaluation, obstacles, and satisfaction in diabetes education. The survey was based on the National Diabetes Education Practice Survey (AADE 2008) and Chinese Diabetes Prevention and Care Guideline (CDA 2004). In the survey community, there were inconsistencies in the diabetes educator training curriculum, education method and evaluation. The frequency of education and the percentage of educated patients with diabetes differed depending on the staff to patient ratio. No dietician enrolled in diabetes education at community. The education courses were mainly developed by clinic with different method. The sessions mainly included basic information of disease, nutrition, treatment and complications, but little emphasis on behavioral supporting. Investment of financial and human resource for diabetes education still is a major challenge at community. The results indicate the areas for improvement of diabetes education at community in China, especially in evaluation and standardization. It is an important and necessary step to promote the effect of diabetes control for China in the future.