1820-LB: Evaluating an HCP Diabetes Training Program in Kasese, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction & Objective: Health Care Provider (HCP) diabetes educational sessions are core to the mission of Diabetes Empowerment International (DEInt) in Kasese, Uganda. Understanding HCP profiles and their barriers to diabetes education access is essential to shape a successful training program. We evaluated the profile of the HCPs that are trained as well as the feedback received regarding how the training is implemented in patient care. Methods: In person HCP diabetes seminars are held every 8 weeks DCA/DEINt Diabetes Education Center in Kasese, covering a curriculum of key topics related to care of diabetes. Each session hosts over 50 regional HCPs, and over 106 HCPs have attended 23 education seminars. Participant evaluations are performed for each seminar for impact on diabetes knowledge and patient care. Results: The average distance traveled for the conferences was 29.4 km [range 0.5-63.2 km]. The majority of participants are enrolled nurses (n=51, 48.11 %), followed by assistant nursing officers (n=20, 18.87 %), and enrolled midwives (n=11, 10.38 %). The remainder of participants have varied healthcare provider titles. The majority of HCPs reported that there was a diabetes trained doctor in the facility where they worked (n=62, 58.49 %). The mean number of diabetes patients supported was 40 [range 0-418]. A total of 8,733 people with diabetes are being served by the HCPs with 289 type 1 diabetes patients and 770 type 2 diabetes patients. The topics that attendees expressed the most confidence in managing patients with diabetes was checking blood sugars and hypoglycemia. Topics that attendees indicated that they would change how they treat diabetes patients was insulin pumps (n=55, 62.5%) and carbohydrate counting (n=54, 61.36 %). Conclusion: Our diabetes training programs supports a wide range of HCPs. HCP diabetes training can have a far-reaching impact on an underserved population of individuals with diabetes. Disclosure S. Narayanan: Employee; Dexcom, Inc. C. Basch: None. J. Baker: Speaker's Bureau; Insulet Corporation, Dexcom, Inc., Sanofi.