2024 Theses Master's

Evaluating Diabetes Technology Education of Health Care Professionals

Wilcox, John

Background: Diabetes technology use is continuously increasing in people with diabetes (PWD). As the use of diabetes technology for care rises, it is essential for health care professionals (HCPs) to be educated about the wide array of devices available.

Methods: An anonymous, web-based survey was completed by diabetes HCPs to assess experiences with diabetes technology education. The survey was distributed to HCP networks via social media platforms and analyzed for making suggestions on how to improve HCP diabetes technology education.

Results: HCPs who completed the survey (N = 31) showcased high levels of familiarity with current diabetes technologies, satisfaction towards the education they received on diabetes devices, and confidence in administering diabetes technology education to PWD. Web-based education resources were identified as the preferred source of diabetes technology education and lack of time was the most reported barrier that prevented engaging in education.

Conclusions: Understanding diabetes technology education for HCPs is necessary to improve the provision of the same type of education to PWD. Use of online platforms that provide resources for HCPs to access diabetes technology education is recommended.