A diabetes self-management education class taught by pharmacy students

Abstract

Objective. To assess the impact of pharmacy students teaching a diabetes self-management education (DSME) class on their competence and confidence in providing diabetes education. Design. Pharmacy students enrolled in a service-learning elective first observed pharmacy faculty members teaching a DSME class and then 4 weeks later organized and taught a DSME class to a different group of patients at a student-run free medical clinic. Assessment. Student performance as assessed by faculty members using a rubric was above average, with a mean score of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Overall, student confidence after teaching the group DSME class was significantly higher than before teaching the class. Conclusion. Organizing and teaching a DSME class improved third-year pharmacy students' confidence and diabetes knowledge and skills, as well as provided a valuable service to patients at a free medical clinic.