Reimaging Diabetes Self-Management Education for Seniors in rural Ontario through a Participatory Knowledge Exchange Event

Co-leads

Pilar Camargo Plazas (Queen's School of Nursing)

Dr. Idevania Costa (Lakehead University)

Dr. Lenora Duhn (Queen's School of Nursing)

Dr. Joan Tranmer (Queen's School of Nursing, retired)

Collaborators

Ms. Joyce Bigelow (Northern Connections Adult Learning)

Study Co-investigators

Dr. Beatriz Alvarado (Queen’s University)

Dr. Jovina Bachynski (Queen’s University)

Dr. Paulina Bleah (NORC Innovation Centre)

Dr. Madison Robertson (Providence Care)

Knowledge Users

Dr. Sarah Moore-Vasram (Providence Care)

JOIN US AND REGISTER FOR A WORLD CAFÉ EVENT

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 1 pm - 4 pm ET, or

Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6 pm - 9 pm ET

What? Diabetes is a serious health concern that requires careful self-management to avoid complications. This is especially important for older adults, who often live with additional challenges such as mobility issues and other chronic conditions. This project will use a collaborative approach, engaging with community members through a Participatory Knowledge Exchange Event (PKEE). Older adults, health care providers, and policymakers will discuss barriers to diabetes self-management in rural areas and share concerns about existing diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs. Insights from this event will inform the development of more accessible DSME programming to better suit the needs of older adults in rural communities.

Why? This knowledge exchange event addresses urgent gaps in diabetes care for older adults in rural areas. Barriers such as limited transportation, low income, and provider shortages leave many without access to effective DSME, increasing their risk of serious complications. Current programs often fail to meet the needs of this population. A participatory approach is essential to ensure DSME is informed by those most affected. By engaging directly with community members, this event supports more responsive, accessible, and equitable diabetes care.

How? A participatory action research approach will be used through an online World café to engage with community members, knowledge users, and researchers. Key findings from thematic analysis of previous research on DSME and older adults in rural areas will shape discussion prompts for the PKEE. Participants will rotate through small group discussions, sharing their views and experiences in response to prompts about diabetes self-management and DSME. This format fosters equal participation and collaboration to develop ideas for future DSME programs.

Impact of findings: The insights gained from this event will inform the future of the CIHR Project Grant to co-develop a DSME program tailored to older adults in rural communities. Findings will support the development of relevant, accessible, and community-informed approaches to diabetes self-management that can be adapted for use in rural areas across Canada. The participatory approach used in this event aims to shift current research designs towards more collaborative methods, ensuring programs are designed with equity-seeking groups and not for them.

Acknowledgements: Ms. Deborah Krause (Sharbot Lake Family Health Team)

Funded By

CIHR – Institute of Aging Planning and Dissemination Grants - Institute Community Support83)

Partners

Ms. Louise Moody (Rural Frontenac Community Services)

Ms. Laura Huffman (Rural Frontenac Community Services)