Using Nontraditional Methods to Teach Pediatric Residents About Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a training experience on the attitudes and beliefs of pediatric residents concerning insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), persons with diabetes, and the use of a multidisciplinary team to empower patients/families. The resident training experience consisted of three days of diabetes lifestyle simulation including attending an educational program designed for newly-diagnosed patients and their families. Residents' attitudes, beliefs, and team function attitudes were measured at preinstruction, postinstruction, and 6 months following instruction.

There was no significant change in beliefs about diabetes. Attitudes about persons with diabetes became more positive after the training experience, but did not continue after six months. Residents also expressed a change in team attitudes, specifically, in their acceptance of having the certified diabetes educator (CDE) nurse and the patient/family adjust insulin and manage insulin during illness.

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