(DCP035) DEVELOPMENT OF DIABETES HEALTH LITERACY ASSESSMENT TOOL TO SUPPORT HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS DURING VIRTUAL VISIT

Background: Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes an elevation in blood glucose levels in the body, with an estimated 11 million Canadians living with diabetes, contributing to 41,500 deaths yearly. Self-care is a significant part of managing chronic conditions; proper education is required to perform self-care. Individuals with lower health literacy have poorer diabetes management and a higher rate of complications and hospitalization. Health literacy can be improved through appropriate education. As the pandemic impacts the lives of many, those with diabetes and lower health literacy are at higher risk and require knowledge and education to manage their diabetes.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a Quality Improvement (QI) approach, this qualitative study included developing and testing a health literacy assessment tool. Existing tools were unsuitable for clinical use by healthcare providers who need to assess the health literacy of diabetes clients during virtual consultations; therefore, a new tool was developed, tested, and modified. The research study was conducted over several phases, and the data were collected using focus groups and open-ended surveys.

Conclusion: Based upon input from healthcare providers - certified diabetes educators (CDEs), who tested several iterations of health literacy tools with their clients, a new tool was developed. CDEs reported that having a diabetes health literacy tool is beneficial in their practice setting and allows them to better understand their client’s education needs. CDEs made specific recommendations for improving and adapting the new tool to various conditions, including type 1 and 2 diabetes and prediabetes.