Comparing Outpatient and Inpatient Diabetes Education for Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of outpatient vs inpatient programs on medical, cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes.

Methods: Using three large, tertiary medical centers in the United States, the sample of 32 children newly diagnosed with diabetes and their parents were recruited. Children and parents who received outpatient education were compared with those who received inpatient education. The following outcome variables were compared: (1) rates of hospital readmissions and/or emergency room visits for either severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis, (2) knowledge, (3) sharing of responsibilities, (4) adherence, (5) family functioning, (6) coping, and (7) quality of life.

Results: In general, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. A trend was noted in the outpatient group with regard to improved use of emergency precautions on the adherence measure, roles on the family functioning measure, maintaining family integration on the parental coping measure, and disposition on the children's coping instrument.

Conclusions: Findings support the safety and efficacy of the outpatient program method.