Background. This capstone method focuses on the limitations and barriers of type diabetic education provided in the primary care setting and calls to attention the potential role that occupational can play in the primary care setting. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise in the United States which can be managed by providing diabetic education to patients. Primary care physicians are at the forefront to provide education or avenues to which patients obtain diabetic education to manage the disorder. Although, primary care physicians are providing diabetic education patients the current amount of education has not led to increased patient outcomes.
Purpose. The purpose of this capstone project was to explore the barriers associated with the lack of type 2 diabetic education being provided to diabetic patients in the primary care setting and to gain insight into the potential role that occupational therapy can play in educating type 2 diabetics.
Method. A mixed-methods approach was performed. A physician interview was conducted and a diabetic survey was provided to N=30 patients.
Results. The results indicated that the primary care physician has identified several barriers associated with the lack of type 2 diabetic education being provided. The results also indicated a patient perspective with lack of type 2 diabetic education being provided to type 2 diabetic patients in the primary care setting.
Discussion. This capstone project has identified the need for occupational therapy in the primary care setting
