Evaluating the format and effectiveness of a disease state management training program for diabetes

The objective of this project was to determine whether a continuing educational approach to disease state management training in diabetes mellitus is an effective means of improving both cognitive knowledge and confidence levels of participants. The continuing education program utilized both lecture format and small group exercises in which participants obtained "hands-on" information related to the pharmacist's role in the treatment of diabetes. Participants were asked to take a pre-and posttest examination which consisted of a 30-question multiple choice examination and a 15-item attitudinal questionnaire. This test-set evaluated two areas: (i) participants' cognitive knowledge related to diabetes and diabetes-specific services; and (ii) their attitudes/confidence in providing these services. Cognitive posttest scores (68.6 percent) improved significantly (P <0.001) over the pretest scores (49.6 percent). Likewise, the posttest scores on all 15 attitudinal items significantly improved over their pretest scores (P ≤ 0.012). This project demonstrates that a modified continuing educational format, providing small group hands-on experience, is an effective means of training pharmacists in diabetes management.