Journal Article Ahead of print
PubMed: 42431736 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2026.07.005
Assessment of diabetes self-management education guideline content across Spanish regions: a document-based comparative analysis.
Prim Care Diabetes
Authors: James Richard Moore, Maria Teresa Roldán-Chicano, Ana María Cebrián-Cuenca, Ana Esteban-Flores
Affiliations
- Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain; Servicio Murciano de Salud, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB, Spain; Fundación para la Formación e Investigación Sanitarias de la Región de Murcia, Spain.
- Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB, Spain.
- Servicio Murciano de Salud, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria IMIB, Spain.
- Servicio Murciano de Salud, Spain.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the content, structure, and alignment with international standards of Diabetes Self-Management Education guidelines across Spain's regional healthcare systems. It focuses on comparing the guidelines and documents used in these programs against international standards to identify key patterns, disparities, and areas for improvement.
METHODS
The study employed a comparative descriptive analysis, systematically reviewing and contrasting 13 relevant documents from the Spanish Ministry of Health and regional health authorities. The evaluation was based on international standards for DSME, set by the American Diabetes Association and the Global Diabetes Survey. Key aspects assessed included program structure, target population, content delivery, healthcare provider involvement, and quality management.
RESULTS
The results revealed significant variability in the DSME guidelines, with most emphasising individualised education and a multidisciplinary approach. However, there were gaps in addressing psychosocial factors, dietary support and the inclusion of vulnerable populations. Additionally, quality management and evaluation processes were inconsistently described, with some regional guidelines lacking systematic assessment frameworks.
CONCLUSION
The study highlights the need for harmonising DSME guidelines across Spain. It recommends improving inclusivity, psychosocial support, multidisciplinary involvement, quality monitoring, and digital delivery to strengthen diabetes education and reduce regional inequalities nationwide.
MeSH
Diabetes Mellitus, Self-Management, Self Care, Education