“How satisfied were you with your service?”

We have heard this question many times.

But how can we measure participants' experience

with DSMES services accurately

and objectively?

First, by measuring their outcomes.

All DSMES participants should have plans

that contain at least one SMART Goal:

•Specific,

•Measurable,

•Achievable,

•Relevant, and

•Time-bound.

SMART goals allow us to assess

short- and long-term improvements

to determine whether

the participant is on track.

In addition, all DSMES participants

should have plans

that periodically measure at least one

clinical outcome against a baseline value.

Different considerations must

be made for:

•The population served,

•Organizational practices, and

• Availability of outcome data,

such as quality of life,

weight loss, and cost.

These outcomes should be shared regularly

with the original referring provider.

Delivering a measurable review

of the participant's experience

assists the entire team in determining

how satisfactory their DSMES services are.