Building the 2022 Diabetes Technology Practice Competencies Using Modified Delphi Methodology.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to construct professional competencies for diabetes technology use in various care settings reflecting the mission of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). ADCES convened a core team of nationally representative diabetes technology experts to develop professional competencies specifically related to diabetes technology use. A modified Delphi methodology, which comprised 4 rounds, was used for consensus development among these experts. First, experts developed and arrived at a consensus on the initial draft of competencies. They also identified health care professionals and staff essential for effective technology integration in various diabetes care settings. A survey was completed by diabetes technology experts that are members of ADCES. Next, a multidisciplinary focus group was conducted to gain feedback. Finally, the edited competencies were distributed via survey for feedback by diabetes technology experts from various disciplines. One hundred four diabetes technology experts in the United States participated in the final survey, representing various health care professions and clinical settings. A final set of 94 competencies across 7 domains was determined. Modified Delphi methodology is an effective way to utilize multidisciplinary expertise to develop diabetes technology-related competencies for diabetes care professionals and staff in a variety of settings. These competencies align with the mission of ADCES to empower diabetes care and education specialists to expand the horizons of innovative education, management, and support.