Citations 1
Pilot Pragmatic Trial of a Community Paramedic Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for Adults With Diabetes
Ducharme‐Smith, Allison , Juntunen, Michael B. , Espinoza, Anna , Liedl, Chad P., MEILANDER, ANGELA K., Quillen, Jaxon , Juntunen, Michael, Liedl, Chad, Fischer, Karen, Meilander, Angela, Fischer, Karen M. , McCoy, Rozalina G.
Diabetes Care | October 7, 2025 | Volume: 48 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 2089-2094
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of community paramedic (CP)-delivered, in-home diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) for adults with poorly managed diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a pragmatic, single-arm pilot trial, adults with HbA1c ≥9% and a recent emergency department or hospital visit received a 1-month CP-led DSMES intervention. Outcomes included HbA1c, health care engagement, and patient-reported satisfaction. RESULTS Seventy participants (median age 61 years, 50% rural, 84% with type 2 diabetes) completed the intervention. HbA1c declined from 9.8% to 8.2% at 4 months (P < 0.001). Engagement with primary care, endocrinology, and DSMES improved. Satisfaction was high (mean rating 9 out of 10). CONCLUSIONS CP-led DSMES improved glycemic management and care engagement in underserved populations. This scalable model warrants further study.