Evaluating health care professionals training in psychosocial interventions in diabetes care

Evidence supports the use of psychosocial interventions (PSI) by
health care professionals in the care of people with diabetes to facilitate
lifestyle change and independent management. The National
Service Framework for Diabetes (NSFD) is based on the central tenet
of empowering people with diabetes to self manage their illness.
Methods Training has commenced in Lancashire (UK) to diabetes
care providers, in basic PSI techniques. Using workshop, video roleplaying
and interactive web-based learning, practitioners learn the
theory and practice of empowerment, motivational interviewing
and other techniques. Evaluation data is collected using focus
groups, questionnaires, interviews with practitioners and reflective
diaries.
Results The data suggests that practitioners find it difficult to
change their thinking and practice to encompass a psychosocial
approach to their patientsÕ care. However those practitioners using
PSI find improved patient interaction and satisfaction. Long-term
evaluation of patient outcomes is mapped through audit data for
main diabetes indicators.
Discussion If the NFSD is to be successfully implemented and
patient empowerment achieved, data is needed to support the training
of all diabetes care providers in easy to use, effective psychosocial
interventions.