Navigating CDC recognition for the National DPP in socially vulnerable communities: barriers, facilitators, and recommendations.

Background: The CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program is a nationwide initiative to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. The CDC recognition status (i.e., pending, preliminary, full, or full-plus) signifies that a program meets specific quality, fidelity, and effectiveness standards. However, organizations-especially those serving socially vulnerable communities -often face significant challenges in achieving and maintaining this recognition. We aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators related to achieving and maintaining CDC recognition among organizations delivering the National DPP in socially vulnerable communities.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study used a web-based questionnaire to gather insights from 27 organizations delivering the National DPP in socially vulnerable communities. Respondents shared their experiences regarding challenges in attaining and maintaining CDC recognition, strategies to overcome these challenges, and recommendations for CDC support. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify and report emerging themes.

Results: Funding availability, strong partnerships with community organizations, and flexible program delivery models were identified as key facilitators for achieving and maintaining CDC recognition. Major barriers included difficulties with participant recruitment and retention as well as insufficient funding to support program delivery costs. Respondents recommended increasing flexibility in recognition requirements, advocating for better reimbursement models, expanding training opportunities, and promoting collaboration between delivery organizations to enhance sustainability.

Conclusion: Our study highlights key factors influencing the achievement and maintenance of CDC recognition for delivering the National DPP lifestyle change program among organizations in socially vulnerable communities. Addressing these factors through flexible program requirements (e.g., risk-adjusted models), improved funding models, strengthened support from the CDC, and collaboration between organizations could improve program sustainability.