Date of Award

Fall 2026

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a common condition encountered in primary care and requires significant attention to lifestyle factors to be properly managed. The primary care provider may lack the time needed to assist the patient with self-management strategies to improve glycemic control. Mobile applications may be a tool that the primary care provider can use to help improve diabetes self-efficacy and patient engagement.

Theoretical Framework: The Mountain Model guided this quality improvement (QI) project by providing a framework to translate research into clinical practice. The Mountain Model bridged the gap between research and the standard of care in this practice.

Methods: Ten patients living with diabetes were recruited from a primary care office. Patients met with a nurse practitioner to learn about the benefits of tracking nutrition and exercise using a free HIPAA-compliant app. Patients downloaded the app and were asked to use the app for 1-2 weeks. Diabetes self-efficacy was assessed using a pre-intervention survey, and this same survey was administered via a link in a follow-up portal message 1-2 weeks after the initial meeting. Patients also provided open-response feedback regarding lifestyle changes.

Results: Among five participants who completed both the pre- and post-intervention survey, four demonstrated improved self-efficacy scores after using the app, one patient's scores remained stable, and all patients reported improvements in diet in their open response. While statistical significance was not achieved, findings suggest a positive trend in diabetes self-efficacy and lifestyle behaviors following the adoption of the app.

Conclusions: This QI project demonstrates that a mobile app may be a time-efficient and sustainable intervention for primary care providers to use to support diabetes self-efficacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Document Type

Clinical Doctorate

First Advisor

Julianne Murthi

Second Advisor

Kayla Tremblay

College or School

School of Nursing

Department or Program

DNP

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

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