A Web-based interprofessional diabetes education course.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a comprehensive diabetes management course for pharmacy students that is available to all colleges and schools of pharmacy via the Internet.


METHODS
DM Educate, a Web-based course consisting of 12 topic modules with video lectures, active-learning exercises, and test questions prepared by nationally recognized experts was developed. The modular design allows use as a standalone, 3-credit course or use of individual module content as a supplement to an existing course.


RESULTS
Two pilot studies found the comprehensive, interprofessional nature of the material beneficial for learners. Students showed a significant increase in knowledge of the subject material by correctly answering 26 of 34 questions on the posttest compared to answering only 14 of 34 questions correctly on the pretest (p < 0.001). Student feedback was positive for the flexibility of the Web-based format.


CONCLUSIONS
Pilot studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the course, which became available in the 2006-2007 academic year.
Hall
Deanne L
DL
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, USA. Dlh75@pitt.edu
Drab
Scott R
SR
Campbell
R Keith
RK
Meyer
Susan M
SM
Smith
Randall B
RB
D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D003479:Curriculum / Q000639:trends; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000639:trends; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends