Diabetes care and education training audit for primary care physicians across 47 counties of Kenya: A pre-post intervention study

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online continuous medical education programme for Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) in improving diabetes management in Kenya.

Methods: A pretest-post-test design was used to assess the change in knowledge across multiple modules and the overall change in the confidence level of the PCPs in managing people living with diabetes. The study was non-randomised. Course participants were nominated by local scientific associations.

Results: Out of a total of 1750 nominated participants, 1286 completed the training. A statistically significant (p=<0.001) change in knowledge and overall confidence was observed for each of the 8 modules of the training programme. Cohen's D effect size was calculated as 2.20 and 1.40 for change in knowledge and confidence levels, respectively.

Discussion: Web-based training is an effective way to improve the knowledge and self-reported confidence of PCPs involved in the management of diabetes. This web-based model can support the training needs of PCPs at a pace and time to suit their situation. Similar evidence-based programmes should be considered and field-tested for other healthcare professionals working in the management of diabetes.

Keywords: CME; Diabetes; Kenya; LMIC; Physicians; Web-based.