A Mixed Methods Review of the Fresh Start Program
Author
Regan, Grace
Abstract
Background:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11.3% of the United States population is affected by type 2 diabetes. The total annual cost of diabetes totals $327 billion, making it the most expensive chronic disease in the United States. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs reduce blood glucose, lessen complications, and lower medical costs associated with type 2 diabetes. DSME programs provide knowledge and skills to help the individual learn how to manage their diabetes. Partnering with the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, the Fresh Start program addresses underlying knowledge and behavior risk factors to improve diabetes management for uninsured patients with diabetes by providing culinary medicine, produce RX, nutrition education, and health coaching.
Objective:
Examine impact of the Fresh Start program on patient satisfaction, participation, and food literacy.
Methods:
This mixed methods program evaluation study that included phone interviews (n=15) and quantitative surveys (n=27) at the end of the 2022 pilot Fresh Start program. Following participant consent; interviews were recorded using REV, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis to identify themes. Quantitative data were collected via REDCap and were analyzed using descriptive analysis via IBM SPSS 28.0.
Results:
Quantitative results demonstrated 92.3% (n=24) of participants agreed the program helped them follow nutrition information given by their medical provider, 96.3% (n=26) of participants believe this program helped them control their blood sugar, and 96.3% (n=26) reported that the program improved their overall health. Themes revealed patient participants “learned how to make healthier food choices, were able to lower their blood sugar, and built relationships through peer and instructor interactions.”
Discussion:
A patient centered approach to DSMEs is achieved by tailoring the lesson plans to the patient’s needs and is crucial in the success of the program. The Fresh Start program was successful because social needs of the patient population were addressed in addition to nutrition education and intensive health coaching support. Multiple components integrated into one program is ultimately what drove positive patient perception and impact. Future programs should focus on addressing barriers in vulnerable patient populations (e.g., food access) and offer more one-on-one support to participants (e.g., health coaching).
Date
2023-04-26
Citation:
APA:
Regan, Grace.
(April 2023).
A Mixed Methods Review of the Fresh Start Program
(Honors Thesis, East Carolina University). Retrieved from the Scholarship.
(http://hdl.handle.net/10342/13064.)
MLA:
Regan, Grace.
A Mixed Methods Review of the Fresh Start Program.
Honors Thesis. East Carolina University,
April 2023. The Scholarship.
http://hdl.handle.net/10342/13064.
June 29, 2024.
Chicago:
Regan, Grace,
“A Mixed Methods Review of the Fresh Start Program”
(Honors Thesis., East Carolina University,
April 2023).
AMA:
Regan, Grace.
A Mixed Methods Review of the Fresh Start Program
[Honors Thesis]. Greenville, NC: East Carolina University;
April 2023.
Collections
Publisher
East Carolina University