Dr. Bolin studies usage, effectiveness of diabetes education kiosk in underserved communities

Jane N. Bolin, J.D., Ph.D., B.S.N., associate professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) School of Rural Public Health, recently was lead author of a study on the diabetes education kiosk (Diosk©) and its usage in underserved communities.

Published in the March/April issue of The Diabetes Educator, “Diabetes Education Kiosks in a Latino Community” examined the implementation and potential long-term benefits of the Diosk in Latino communities. It was placed in clinics, community centers and pharmacies serving low-income, low-literacy populations in the Corpus Christi area.

The Diosk is designed to provide at-hand education on diabetes self-management – a form of education referred to as “interactive behavior change,” according to Dr. Bolin. It allows patients to be actively involved with their own treatment and assess symptoms and behaviors that may contribute to their disease, as well as design strategies for alteration of said behaviors.

“Diabetes self-management education has been shown to be a critical factor in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes and its related complications,” Dr. Bolin said. “However, the availability and use of education and behavioral counseling leading to lifestyle changes are often limited in low-resource populations.”

Following the 11-month study of approximately 5,300 Diosk users at five sites, three sites committed to continued use of the touch-screen kiosk.

Additional study authors were Marcia G. Ory, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Ashley Wilson, M.P.H., from the TAMHSC-School of Rural Public Health and Lesley Salge, M.P.H., from The Ohio State University.