Educating diabetes camp counselors with a human patient simulator: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Camp counselors require effective training in managing hypoglycemia in children with diabetes.
• Traditional education methods may have limitations in imparting practical skills.
• Human patient simulators (HPS) offer a novel approach to clinical skills training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot test the feasibility and efficacy of a novel teaching method for hypoglycemia management.
• To evaluate the impact of supplemental HPS education on camp counselors' knowledge and self-efficacy.
• To assess the effectiveness of HPS in a simulated camp environment.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving camp counselors assigned to an experimental (n=21) or control (n=15) group.
• Both groups received standard hypoglycemia education; the experimental group received supplemental HPS education.
• Demographics, diabetes knowledge, and self-efficacy were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The experimental group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in diabetes knowledge compared to the control group.
• No significant differences were found in the change of self-efficacy between the groups.
• A notable effect modification was observed, with greater benefits in the subgroup lacking previous diabetes exposure.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrated the feasibility and ease of using HPS for teaching diabetes management to camp counselors.
• HPS is a promising tool for enhancing diabetes knowledge in camp staff.
• Targeted simulation training may be particularly beneficial for novice counselors.