Original R
esearch Article
Development and Evaluation of a Training Programme on
Primary Prevention of Diabetes for Primary Care
Physicians
Shabana Tharkar, Karunanithi Kathiresan, Pintochan
Abraham and Vijay Viswanathan*
Diabetes Research Centre and MV Hospital for Diabetes
(WHO
Collaborating Centre for Research, Education and
Training in diabetes),
No 4, Main Road, Royapuram, Chennai-13, India
*For
Correspondence:
Tel:
+91-44-25954913
Fax:
+91-44-25954919
Email:
drvijay@mvdiabetes.com
Received: 28-Aug-09
Revised: 02-Dec-09 Accepted:
04-Dec-09
International Journal of Health Research,
December
2009; 2(4):
305-314
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To strengthen the
capacity of primary care physicians in prevention and
control of diabetes in Tamilnadu State in India.
METHODS:
A 2-day workshop
focusing on diabetes, its prevention and control was
carried out. The impart of the training programme was
evaluated in two parts – (i) knowledge assessment done
by administering a tool to the doctors before the start
and towards the end of the sessions and (ii) clinical
practice assessment - interviewing the doctors to assess
diabetes service delivery, after six months.
RESULTS:
A significant
improvement in identification of risk factors and high
risk groups, primary prevention methods, screening and
diagnostic procedures and treatment of diabetes by the
physicians were observed. After 6 months, considerable
improvement in diabetic care delivery to patients at
community level was observed and some physicians had
started organizing screening and awareness campaigns in
their communities.
CONCLUSION:
Diabetic health
care at primary health care level can be considerably
improved through sensitization and effective educational
programmes.
Keywords:
Diabetes;
Training programme; Primary care physicians.
