Introducing a diabetes e-learning module: A means of improving junior doctors' confidence and ability in managing inpatients with diabetes

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine whether the introduction of a diabetes management e-module can increase junior doctors' confidence in managing inpatients with diabetes and contribute to improvements in patient care. A diabetes e-module was introduced at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust in October 2010. Junior doctors completed it and undertook an online exam at the end. Junior doctors were surveyed once, six to eight months after completing the e-module, and retrospectively ranked their confidence and knowledge levels in managing inpatients with diabetes before and after completing the e-module. Patient care was assessed by comparing the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit (NaDIA) findings at Barnet Hospital before and at two time points after the introduction of the e-module. After undertaking the e-module there were statistically significant increases in the selfranked confidence and knowledge levels of junior doctors regarding diabetes management. This included improvements in identifying different types of insulin, making insulin dose adjustments for hypoglycaemia/hyperglycaemia and a reduction in reported prescription errors. The results from the NaDIA also suggest an improvement in 'good diabetes days' for insulin-treated patients with diabetes and a pattern of reduction in prescription and management errors. This study demonstrates that an inpatient diabetes management e-module increases junior doctors' knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes. A multi-centre study would be needed to confirm whether this translates into better management of inpatients with diabetes. E-modules may be used to cover further topics in diabetes, and to support nursing and patient education. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.