Diabetes Training for Community Health Workers.
BACKGROUND
A 2.5-month diabetes education training for community health workers (CHWs) was developed, implemented, and evaluated.


METHODS
Training methods used included case studies, role-playing, and lectures. Exams were used throughout the training for its evaluation. Teaching was delivered by different ways: a one day American Diabetes Association (ADA) course; a five day Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP); Conversation Maps; and a series of seven National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) diabetes education booklets.


RESULTS
Qualitative and quantitative evaluative methods were used during and after the training. The CHWs' diabetes knowledge was evaluated by a pre- and post-test Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ). The post-test was conducted one week after completing the training. The findings showed that the diabetes knowledge of the CHWs increased.


CONCLUSIONS
Diabetes competencies and evaluative tools need to be developed specific for CHWs as a way to standardize all CHW diabetes trainings.
Hunter College, Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA.
Judith
J
Aponte
Community health workers; Diabetes