Development and evaluation of a training programme on primary prevention of diabetes for primary care physicians

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.