Multi-professional education in diabetes

Multi-professional education (MPE) is a forward-looking educational strategy that is both innovative and clinically needed. The primary goal of this program was to assess the potential of MPE in diabetes care. Objectives included knowledge increase in type 2 diabetes care and examining the effect of uni-professional versus multi-professional small groups on learning outcomes. A total of 61 baccalaureate nursing students, four pharmacy students and 56 family practice residents participated in a half-day program. Participants were randomly assigned to multi-versus uni-professional groups. A questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes and perceived role responsibilities was anonymously completed in a pre-test/post-test manner. The program was delivered in two sessions that combined larger and small group activities. Quantitative data were analyzed using repeated measures Anova/Manova, Wilcoxon signed rank and Pearson chi-square tests. Participants and educators showed interest in multi-professional education. While no change in knowledge was found, moderate changes in attitudes (with a lessening of attitudinal differences) and significant changes in perceptions of role (from uni-professional responsibility to shared responsibilities) were noted. Nurses in uni-professional groups demonstrated the greatest attitudinal and role perception changes. The contribution of the patient as teacher was prominent. Further exploration and rigorous analysis of the utility of MPE in diverse settings is warranted.