Increasing Referrals and Overcoming Barriers to Participation
A clear and efficient DSMES referral process is important for referring providers, DSMES services, and people with diabetes. While there is evidence that defines critical times for referral to and delivery of DSMES, there may be barriers that impact service delivery. Barriers to DSMES may occur at the programmatic, provider, and/or individual levels, so it is essential to identify and address these barriers.
Providers and educators are vital in linking their patients to diabetes self-management support services (DSMS) to help them sustain behaviors needed to self-manage their diabetes. The ADA DSMS Toolkit pdf icon[PDF-1.1MB]external icon and DSMS Plan pdf icon[PDF-237KB]external icon can be used to personalize and identify local resources on emotional health, nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation, support groups, and more as part of ongoing diabetes support.
Learn the components of the referral process, critical times to refer, and ways to promote referrals.
Get tips for increasing referrals through provider education.
Learn how to create referral networks.
Get tips for increasing participation by people with diabetes.
Learn how to address common barriers to DSMES services.
Follow-up is essential to reinforce DSMES information.
Learn how patients have found success with DSMES through telehealth.