Prioritizing Standards of the Structure and Process of Patient Education for Elderlies in Diabetes Clinics-Isfahan, Iran; [اولویت بندی استانداردهای ساختار و فرایند آموزش به بیماران سالمند در کلینیکهای دیابت اصفهان، ایران] Publisher

Summary: What makes diabetes teaching age-friendly? An expert study prioritized clinic resources, communication and needs assessment for older adults; benefits remain untested. #DiabetesCare #HealthyAging

Jafari M ; Alavi M ; Khorasani P
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2026

Abstract

Background: With the increasing elderly population, diabetes clinics are facing distinct challenges. The aim of this study is to determine the priority of key standards of the structure and process of education for elderly people with diabetes. Methods: This descriptive applied study was conducted in diabetes clinics in Isfahan in 2025 by receiving the opinions of two main stakeholder groups including 170 elderly people with diabetes through convenience sampling and 35 service providers through full enumeration. A valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha above 0.78) was used to collect data through questionnaire and self-report methods after receiving the necessary permissions, observing ethical considerations and informed consent. Findings: Key priorities of the educational standards for elderly patients were explained in the structure area with 48 items in 6 topics (environmental facilities, preliminary preparations, media and interactive technologies, considerations for social networks, training specialist /human resources and their visit programs) and in the process area with 55 items in 6 topics (Patient education needs assessment, considerations for effective communication, before, during and after training, and overall evaluation of Patient education effectiveness). Conclusion: Since paying attention to the standards of structure and process of patient education for elders is effective in improving their self-care and quality of life, it is recommende make the necessary efforts to establish standards by policymakers in determined order of the structure and the process priorities for elderly patient education in diabetes gradually. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.