title: Evaluation of a Worksite Diabetes Education Program at a Large Urban Medical Center.
abstract: Evidence suggests that diabetes education can be delivered at the worksite to better support employees' diabetes self-management and improve productivity and health care costs. This study was conducted to address the feasibility of a diabetes worksite education program for employees at a large urban academic health care institution. The diabetes education program was delivered in the diabetes center at the institution, a resource that was previously underutilized by employees. Through collaboration with groups in the institution, 20 employees of diverse ethnicity participated in the worksite diabetes education program with positive outcomes: improved glycemic control measured (HbA1c), attainment of self-management goals, and satisfaction with the program. Work absences trended downward, but numbers of hospitalizations and emergency department visits were unchanged in the 3 months following education. Recommendations include replication of the study with more employee participation and program evaluation over a longer period of time to continue assessment of employees' educational needs.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University srenda1@jhu.edu.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Renda
authors.affiliation: Virginia Commonwealth University.
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baernholdt
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012648:Self Care; D019037:Urban Health Services; D017132:Workplace; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin
keywords: absenteeism; chronic illnesses; diversity; health education; occupational health and safety programs; productivity; program planning and evaluation; research; workforce