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 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.