Authors: Robin Williams, MA ,RD, CDE, Julie Shippy, RN, BSN, CDE,

Introduction: TIPDON provides education on diabetes management for professionals. We conducted a pilot to determine the impact of in-services on diabetes care by assessing the extent to which attendees implemented a practice change related to knowledge gained.

Methods: 19 in-services were analyzed. We surveyed participants and collected a self-set practice change goal. To determine extent of goal achievement, contact was attempted twice by email or phone.

Results: 237 were educated; of which 87% completed the survey. 95% wrote a goal. We contacted 49% of these. Of those, 82% reported achieving their goal.

Discussion: The majority of participants contacted achieved their goal. Loss to follow-up was 51% due to changes in email addresses, unintelligible script, and non-return of phone messages.

Conclusion: Writing a practice change goal provides incentive for professionals to incorporate new knowledge. Further studies should compare outcomes of those who do and who don't write goals. Follow-up requires resources.