Evaluation of goal-setting/action planning in a diabetes group self-management education programme for people with type 2 diabetes (DESMOND) in Ireland and England

Abstract

Aim: To measure the number of people who write an action plan on completion of a diabetes group self-management programme for people with Type 2 diabetes (DESMOND), the goals of their action plans and their level of confidence in achieving their goals. Methods: At the end of DESMOND, attendees are asked to complete a structured action plan to target an area they want to work on (e.g. blood pressure, weight) and rate their confidence in achieving their plan on a 1-10 scale. Copies of action plans were collected from consenting participants for analysis. Results: 279/511 (55%) DESMOND attendees agreed to participate with 89% (n = 248) completing an action plan. The mean age of those completing an action plan was 60 years, 59% were male. Seventy three percent (n = 151) of those that selected an area to work on focused on one area. The most common areas targeted were weight (48%, n = 103) and blood glucose (36%, n = 77). The most common action plans to address targeted areas were physical activity-related (46%, n = 114), diet-related (27%, n = 67) or a combination of both (23%, n = 56). The mean level of confidence in achieving chosen goals was 8. The type of action plan chosen was not significantly associated with age or gender. Summary: The majority of participants successfully set specific goals which they chose for themselves. The most common targeted goal was weight, with a preference for action plans focusing on diet or physical activity, or a combination of both.