Preliminary evaluation results of an online carbohydrate-counting course for health care professionals, Cyber Carbs

摘要

Background: National guidelines for diabetes emphasise the importance of advanced carbohydrate counting for adjusting prandial insulin (1). A joint ADEA/DAA position statement advises dietitians teach advanced carbohydrate counting skills (2). A review of education upskilling health care professionals (HCPs) in carbohydrate-counting revealed face-to-face events and downloadable resources only. E-learning can be as effective as traditional HCP education methods but is more accessible (3). We built an online carbohydrate counting course for HCPs and tested impact on knowledge. Aim: To understand HCP knowledge of carbohydrate counting at baseline and completion of an online carbohydrate counting course, Cyber Carbs. Methods: Participants undertook the self-paced Cyber Carbs course consisting of 10 modules with video, interactive quizzes and downloadable resources. Participants completed pre- and post- knowledge questionnaires covering topics such as identifying carbohydrates and estimating carbohydrate in a meal. Results: We assessed preliminary results of the first 40 HCPs to complete the course: 21 (52%) were Dietitians, 13 (33%) were Nurse DEs/CDEs, 2 (5%) were Pharmacist DEs, 1 (3%) was a General Practitioner and 3 (7%) were not disclosed. Results show improved overall knowledge with correct responses pre- and post-completion of 69.3% and 85.6%. When identifying carbohydrates from a list, 12.5% of participants answered correctly pre- and 65% post. Conclusions: Results from analysis of baseline and end line questionnaires revealed gaps in knowledge around carbohydrate identification and use of nutrition information panels, both of which are key skill sets in dietetic practice. Overall knowledge of carbohydrate-counting practices improved.