Ms. Monaghan et al., Evaluating the format and effectiveness of a disease state management training program for diabetes, AM J PHAR E, 64(2), 2000, pp. 181-184
The objective of this project was to determine whether a continuing educati
onal approach to disease state management training in diabetes mellitus is
an effective means of improving both cognitive knowledge and confidence lev
els 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 cons
isted of a 30-question multiple choice examination and a 15-item attitudina
l questionnaire. This test-set evaluated two areas: (i) participants' cogni
tive 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 less than or equa
l to 0.012). This project demonstrates that a modified continuing education
al format, providing small group hands-on experience, is an effective means
of training pharmacists in diabetes management.