Improving Antidiabetic Medication Side Effect Knowledge in Diabetic Patients of Rural Arizona

Abstract

Purpose: Within a rural Arizona community, this quality improvement project aimed to improve diabetic patients' knowledge of diabetic medication side effects. Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Rural populations in Arizona have a disproportionately higher rate of diabetes diagnoses. Providing information to patients about the side effects and adverse reactions from the medications used to treat diabetes can increase patients’ confidence in their treatment, improve medication adherence, and enhance communication with their providers. Methods: The diabetic patients of a rural community health center were given an educational pamphlet explaining the common side effects of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. A pre- and post-survey were conducted to gauge whether knowledge improved after reading the pamphlet. The pamphlet and surveys were distributed in hard copy with a link to complete online if desired. The Adult Learning Theory theoretical framework inspired the project and was created with the guidance of the Model for Improvement created by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Results: Project findings indicate an educational pamphlet can effectively increase antidiabetic medication side effect knowledge in a rural family health clinic. While the improvement was not statistically significant due to the small sample size, every participant increased their knowledge scores after participating in the quality improvement project. Patients’ confidence in calling the provider and seeking emergency care after experiencing medication side effects improved significantly (p<0.003, p<0.002). Project limitations included language barriers, convenience sampling, and a homogenous sample population.