(P109) Health Extension for Diabetes: Clinical and Community Partnership to Increase Participant's Diabetes Knowledge in SC

Key Takeaways of Your Research: • 460 participants were enrolled in the Health Extension for Diabetes program (clinical/community partnership) to provide diabetes self-management education and support• Questions which were beyond the scope of practice for the community Health Extension Agents (Diabetes Community Care Coordinators, formerly known as paraprofessionals) were sent to DSMES clinical staff to provide evidence-based answers in a timely manner. Participants submitted 294 questions in the following categories: Number (n) Percent (%)Healthy Eating 104n, 35% Monitoring 61n, 21%, Reducing Risks 46n,16%, Problem Solving, 36n,12%, Taking Medications 30n, 10%, Being Active 11n, 4%, Healthy Coping 0n, 0%, Pathophysiology 6n, 2% • Average diabetes knowledge scores (n= 287) increased from 76% to 84%.

Background/Purpose: Prisma Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Department (Greenville, SC) partnered with Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service (Clemson, SC) to deliver Heath Extension for Diabetes (HED), an ADA Practice-Tested Diabetes Self-Management Support (DSMS) program designed to help individuals with diabetes better manage their diabetes and prevent complications in a community setting. Research Hypothesis and/or Research Questions and Specific

Aims: We hypothesized that a partnership between DSMES clinicians and community Health Extension Agents (aka Diabetes Community Care Coordinators) would increase diabetes knowledge. Participants with T1D and T2D diabetes would have access to DSMES experts who responded to "Ask if Basket" questions that were beyond the scope of practice of DCCs. Methods/Methodology: Pre and post-program knowledge was assessed by the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire.

Results: 1. 500 referrals were sent to HED. 2. 100 referrals were made from HED to DSMES or Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for additional diabetes care and education. 3. Average diabetes knowledge scores (n= 287) increased from 76% to 84% 4. HED expanded to additional SC counties and offers in-person and virtual programs thereby increasing access to diabetes education resources in underserved communities 5. HED in Spanish was initiated in 2022 further increasing reach to high-risk populations. Conclusions (Impact on Diabetes Care and Education): The integration of a clinical and community team increased access to diabetes education and support where resources were limited. Participants’ average knowledge increased 8%. HED provided referral opportunities to other specialized services (DSMES, MNT, technology assistance) based on participant needs. Source of Funding for this Research: Greenville Health Authority, Prisma Health and Clemson University.