Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION & SUPPORT: PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT| 11-5

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Introduction Suggesting a framework for any work has its advantages and disadvantages. Developers often prefer to have ‘an open mind’ and to ‘let the ideas flow’. However, in delivering our education and support programs there is the necessity to be reproducible and accountable. We have standards for diabetes education set out by Diabetes Canada (3), we have medical guidelines (4) and we have our professional practice competencies which must be reflected in our practice. Using a framework for program design and development offers a systematic and thorough approach to articulate the necessary components required for a program. Working with a structure also allows us to evaluate our work for quality improvement purposes. In this chapter, we will work through the stages of program development within a structure that allows for individual adaptability for the patient as well as for the educator. The template can be used for any program whether it is for a group education program, group support program or individual counselling.

Figure 1. Template for program planning

• process • structure • outcomes • ongoing

• explore • identify • define

Needs assessment

Evaluate

Plan development

Implement

• commit to action • facilitate • pilot and revise

• collaborate • goal-setting • problem-solving