Barriers and Opportunities for Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) Implementation in Schools: A National Survey of School Nurses and Diabetes Providers

Abstract

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) was developed to serve as a gold standard. In preparation for planned revisions to address technology updates for school professionals, we surveyed diabetes health care providers (HCPs) and school nurses to understand barriers and facilitators to DMMP use. Respondents (n = 586) were predominantly school nurses (n = 509, 87%) and represented all US regions. Using a Likert-type response scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), school nurses and HCP generally indicated that the DMMP was comprehensive (school nurses 4.41 ± 0.81 vs HCP 4.61 ± 0.49, p = .16). HCP were less likely to feel the DMMP was customizable (school nurses 4.15 ± 0.94 vs HCP 3.67 ± 1.20, p = .009). We identified 10 usability issues from comments related to formatting, customization, parent-provider co-completion, and technology. School nurse and HCP perspectives from this survey were integrated into DMMP revisions to improve functionality and inform school nurses of current management strategies.