Use of Evidence-Based Practice in a Rural Community for Diabetes Care

Evidence-based practice is an essential requirement of professional health care providers. Rural health care organizations must maintain financial viability and regulatory compliance; it is imperative that they not only identify and meet the needs of the communities they serve, but evaluate efficacy of those actions as well. Diabetes prevalence was identified as a 'priority health focus' in the rural area served by Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. Reimbursement for diabetes self-management education has decreased by 22 percent, yet costs of providing this service have increased 26 percent. Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center developed and initiated a comprehensive program to meet the identified needs of its rural community in regard to diabetes management based upon multiple strategies.