The Development of a Diabetes Toolkit for Latino Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This paper discusses a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) project conducted at two Latino community clinics-Consultorio Medico Hispano (CMH)-in metro Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose of this project was to address the problem of culturally relevant resources for the Spanish-speaking adult population with diabetes. Therefore, a Spanish-language, culturally relevant, Diabetes Toolkit of information and resources was developed for use by patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and their medical providers at these two clinic locations. The goal was to improve individual patients' understanding and management of T2DM. The Toolkit was developed via focus group and survey feedback provided by patients and providers. Providers at these two clinic locations were also surveyed to assess how the Diabetes Toolkit would help them overcome barriers to treat patients with and improve patients' understanding and management of T2DM. The qualitative findings from the project indicate that the Diabetes Toolkit was a helpful educational tool, and helped to overcome barriers of patient education. This project has future implications with direct quantitative opportunities. Application of the findings of this project can, and should, be applied in a larger sample population for broader generalizability and application.