Educator Experience with the U.S. Diabetes Conversation Map® Education Program in the Journey for Control of Diabetes: The IDEA Study

The IDEA Study, a multisite randomized trial, is underway, conducted by researchers at HealthPartners Research Foundation (HP) in Minneapolis, Minn., and LCF Research (LCF), in Albuquerque, N.M. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two methods of education: 1 a traditional individual educational approach and 2 a more novel group-based, interactive learning experience called IDEA (Interactive Dialogue to Educate and Activate) using the U.S. Diabetes Conversation Map education program (created by Healthy Interactions in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association [ADA] and sponsored by Merck & Co.). Using six components, including a map visual, conversation questions, discussion cards, group interaction, facilitation, and an action plan, the overall purpose of the group visit was to empower individuals with diabetes to take responsibility for their own health and well-being.3-4 Each map, a laminated 3-by-5-foot table-top visual with colorful drawings as metaphors of situations familiar to people with diabetes, is placed on a table with participants gathered around it.