Building capacity among caregivers for managing children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus through a structured Interprofessional training program
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Background
Effective management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children necessitates not only medical care but also substantial involvement from caregivers, who often encounter psychological, financial, and emotional challenges. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a structured educational program for caregivers of children with T1DM, facilitated by an interprofessional team.
Methods
This mixed-method study, conducted from May 15 to August 15, 2023, comprised two parts. First, a structured educational module was developed based on a needs assessment from semi-structured interviews with 20 caregivers. The module was created in English, Hindi, and Khortha (the local language of Deoghar, Jharkhand, India) and validated by a panel of 10 experts (CVI = 0.83). It was delivered using audio-visual aids, live demonstrations, posters, and booklets. The program’s effectiveness was evaluated through a pre-post-test questionnaire.
Results
The interviews revealed themes such as misunderstandings of treatment plans, distress from frequent insulin administration, fear of glucose monitoring, financial burdens, and psychological stress. Data from 68 of the 75 caregivers who participated in the educational program were analyzed. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated a significant improvement in caregiver knowledge and management practices (P < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 3.2).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that structured educational interventions can significantly enhance caregivers’ knowledge and practices in managing T1DM. Multidisciplinary education and support are crucial for addressing the emotional and financial burdens caregivers face, ultimately improving the well-being of both caregivers and children.
