Abstract

There has been a shift from paternalistic, to partnership models of care in developed healthcare systems (Cochrane 2006). Hywel Dda University Health Board is working towards increasing the provision of programs, thus meeting the criteria laid down by the Department of Health, and Diabetes UK report on structured patient education. Study aims and objectives: To assess the feasibility of conducting a RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of the DSMP in a Welsh population this trial will explore;
Effectiveness of recruitment strategy and willingness of health professionals to refer participants;
number of eligible participants, and willingness to take part and be randomised;
follow-up rates, response rates to questionnaires, adherence rates for both groups;
identify variability in outcome measures.
To explore a range of factors that could inform future delivery of the DSMP the process evaluation will assess;
feedback from participants and tutors about the delivery of the DSMP (venue, time, format, content, tutor participant interaction, follow up);
impact of DSMP on outcomes
There are positive changes in most of the DSMP outcomes. Participants said they would recommend the course to others and are applying new knowledge to everyday life. Suggested improvements were few; evening/weekend workshops and more information about diet