For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on the most accurate statement based on the new ADA Standards of Care on DSME Programs. 60% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below: Answer Question

Question: Which of the following best represents the 2022 update to the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)?

Answer Choices:

• Due to the complexity of delivering DSME in today’s health care environment,  2 new standards have been added for a total of 12 Standards.
• About 20 – 30% of people with Medicare or private insurance currently utilize DSMES services.
• To maintain quality, at least one of the DSMES team members needs to have either a CDCES or BC-ADM.
• Less focus on “checking the box” when delivering curriculum and more focus on the individual needs.

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As shown above, the most common choice was option 1, the second most common answer was option 3, then option 2, and then finally option 4.

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is incorrect. 16.73% chose this answer, “Due to the complexity of delivering DSME in today’s health care environment, 2 new standards have been added for a total of 12 Standards.” This was a juicy answer, but not the best one. The authors of this updated Standard of Practice for DSMES, decided that to INCREASE access to DSMES, there needed to be a DECREASE of bureaucracy and paperwork. They managed to maintain the essence of the original 10 Standards in this new streamlined version with only SIX standards. There was also a much needed intensive focus on recognizing and addressing Social Determinants of Health and breaking down barriers to DSMES access.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 11.49% of you chose this answer, “About 20 – 30% of people with Medicare or private insurance currently utilize DSMES services.” I wish this was the best answer. However, according to the ADA Standards, only 6-8% of Medicare recipients participate in DSMES. This lackluster level of participation is due to a multitude of factors and is best addressed by an interdisciplinary action committee, with stakeholders from the community and the health care team. Plus, creating a multi-pronged and thoughtful marketing plan is crucial to raise awareness of DSMES services.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 12.10% of respondents chose this answer, “To maintain quality, at least one of the DSMES team members needs to have either a CDCES or BC-ADM.” In the old days, this was a requirement. However, since many rural communities may not have access to a CDCES or BC-ADM, this requirement has been dropped for over 10 years. The good news is that a variety of health care professionals can make up the DSMES Team. Specifically, the new guidelines say that, “The DSMES team may include one or a variety of healthcare professionals. The evidence recommends the inclusion of dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, or all other disciplines with special certifications that demonstrate mastery of diabetes knowledge and training, such as BC-ADM and CDCES, can support all DSMES services, including clinical assessment.

Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 59.68% chose this answer, “Less focus on “checking the box” when delivering curriculum and more focus on the individual needs.” YES, this is the BEST Answer. The authors who gathered to write this paper, were from different parts of the country serving a wide variety of communities. I believe, by assembling this thoughtfully chosen and diverse group or diabetes advocates and educators, they created a fresh and more inclusive set of standards. The overall theme is more community engagement with a clearn focus on the individual needs versus completing check boxes of educational topics covered. I commend the authors and invite you to peruse this very important document that summarizes the delivery of effective and person centered DSMES.

2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support– A joint position statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this important learning activity!

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Want to learn more about this topic? You are invited to view our Setting Up a Successful DSMES Program.

Setting up a Successful DSME Program Standards | Level 2 $29 | 1.5 CEs

Recorded & Ready to Watch!

This course provides you with a succinct overview of the latest standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Support Programs. If you are taking certification exams or considering setting up a DSME program, this program is designed for you. We highlight the newly revised and simplified 2022 Standards and provide strategies on program implementation. In addition, we discuss Medicare Reimbursement and covered benefits. This course provides insights into the exam philosophy and also highlights critical content areas.

Objectives:

1. Describe DSME program examples from across the country.
2. List the six standards for creating a successful DSME program
3. Discuss marketing strategies for success
4. Describe Medicare Reimbursement for diabetes care and education

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Join us for our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference
30+ CEs | April 13-15, 2022

Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.

If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.

 Download Course Schedule |  Download Course Flyer

Join us LIVE for this Virtual Course and enjoy a sense of community!

Team of expert faculty includes:

• Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
• Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
• Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator

 Download Course Schedule |  Download Course Flyer

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Two Registration Options

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | 30+ CEs

Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:

• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
• LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
• State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session.
• Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.

Deluxe Version includes Syllabus, Standards and Swag*:

• Diabetes Educator Course 2022 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
• ADA 2022 Standards of Care Book -The ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes is a key resource for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care, education, and support.
• DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard, Tote Bag and Pen

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | 30+ CEs

Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:

• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
• LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
• State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session.
• Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

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All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.