Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Staff Education on Early Screening for Diabetes Among Young Black Adults

There are healthcare disparities associated with Type 2 diabetes management in youths, and the condition disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities. The gap in practice at the practice site was inconsistent integration of diabetes screening and prevention strategies. The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a staff education program on early screening and prevention of Type 2 diabetes in the young Black community. The practice-focused question centered on whether healthcare staff demonstrated increased knowledge about early screening and prevention for Type 2 diabetes in the young black community. The project occurred at a large family practice clinic in the Southeastern United States. A total of 15 nurses participated in the education sessions and completed pen-and-paper pre/posttest questionnaires. The results were calculated using the learning gain formula. The mean test score on the pretest (M = 64.7) to posttest (M = 87.0) calculated 63.2% as the learning gain of averages (see Table 1). The considerable improvement in posttest scores indicates that the nursing education program enhanced their knowledge and understanding. This project has potential implications for nursing practice and for positive social change, diversity, equity, and inclusion by promoting proactive approaches to lower the social burden associated with the effects of this chronic disease. Improving diabetes screening and prevention in young Black adults will improve healthcare disparities and health equity. Practice recommendations include implementing the education program in other settings, involving larger samples and longer session times.