New Hires: New Partners

Abstract

The increasing complexity in diabetes management creates an ongoing need to support the competency development of health care professionals (HCPs) newly working in this area. To address this need, 3 organizations within the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC LHIN) have formed a unique partnership to offer the New Hires Program, which is a program that was designed and successfully piloted in the region. The purpose of the program is to increase diabetes-related competencies of regulated HCPs who are new to providing self-care education and supporting individuals with type 2 diabetes. The desired program outcomes are an increase in diabetes-related skills, knowledge and confidence. The interprofessional faculty consists of experienced clinicians from hospitals, community and primary care settings. The ongoing quality improvement approach that is used for bi-annual program planning has resulted in partnering to leverage specific expertise, and it has aligned the program with both Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board competencies and the Diabetes Canada guidelines. The integration of the student's knowledge and skills is supported by the use of case studies, expert lectures, peer teaching, storytelling and simulated patient experience. Program evaluations are done through peer review, rating scales, self-assessment and group participation. In the last 5 years, 100% of the participants reported an increase in their knowledge and skills, and 99% reported an increase in their confidence. Students report “an excellent experience to learn and practice behaviour change counselling”. This program has become an integral part of diabetes educator training within the TC LHIN.