Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not considered a critical skill needed by the educator to assess the patient's abilities to plan goals?

1. Interpret information gathering

2. Facilitating engagement

3. Reporting progress

4. Problem analysis

The correct answer is: Reporting progress

The ability to report progress is typically an evaluative skill that comes into play after goals have been set and interventions have begun. In the context of assessing a patient's abilities to plan goals, the educator should focus on evaluating and understanding the patient's current situation, willingness to engage, and ability to navigate challenges. Interpreting information gathering involves synthesizing the data collected regarding a patient’s health status and preferences, which is fundamental in determining a realistic and tailored goal-setting approach. Facilitating engagement is critical in motivating the patient to participate actively in their care, which is essential when planning effective goals. Problem analysis aids in identifying potential barriers to goal achievement, allowing for the development of feasible objectives. Thus, while reporting progress is important for ongoing evaluation and feedback, it does not directly contribute to the initial assessment of a patient's capabilities in goal planning.