Prevention of type 2 diabetes: identification and management of high risk patients

Online clinical education guide

The prevention of type 2 diabetes online Active Learning Module was developed by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) and is funded by the Australian Government. The program was developed by experts from the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute to help general practitioners improve patient outcomes for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The Active Learning Module (ALM) program outlines the eligibility criteria for referral to a Lifestyle Modification Program and also explores a range of techniques that could be used to motivate high risk patients to attend an LMP. Research has found that interventions such as these can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by up to 58%*.

The ALM program is a six hour module where participants are guided through an interactive learning environment featuring video, audio and a variety of interactive components. The module format includes pre and post knowledge and skills tests, self assessment, evaluations and various interactive activities.

Participants of the ALM can log on/off at any time and their position will be saved, allowing them to put their new skills into practice between sessions.

The Australian General Practice Network has been successfully completed the RACGP reaccreditation of the ALM program for the 2011-2013 triennium. This ALM is approved for category 1 RACGP QI&CPD points and will also be approved with ACCRM.

For an overview of the ALM online clinical education or to register for the training package, please visit http://t2dm.agpntraining.com.

For further information regarding the Active Learning Module, please contact Katy Miller at AGPN at kmiller@agpn.com.au or on (02) 6228 0840. 

Stages of the Active Learning Module

Upon submitting a registration, an email is sent to the participant’s email address for confirmation; upon confirmation the participant is then directed to the Introduction Page

Introduction: details the objectives and learning outcomes, a quick orientation tour, as well as the specific requirements for successful completion of the program.

Log in: previously registered participants may log in using their email address and password.

Participants are required to complete six hours of education in total (or alternatively 1 module at a time, approximately 2 hours each).  All modules are accessible from the Performance Summary page that appears before and after any module.  As the participant progresses through the program, the next module will become unlocked and available.

The Learning Environment: The learning strategy comprises:

  • Learning theory
  • Activities
  • Reinforcement of theory
  • Scenarios
  • Additional non-assessed resources presented as “more information”

Importantly, participants proceed from one topic to the text in a linear fashion until the program requirements are met.  If the participant skips through a topic then the program will NOT register completion of the topic/module and hence will not grant access to additional modules.

Pre and post activities: Before and after the ALM, participants are prompted to complete a pre and post Knowledge and Skills questionnaire which asks participants to rate their current knowledge, confidence levels and skills.  This allows reflection on current abilities and the setting of personal goals for the training program.

Evaluation: Participants are given the opportunity to evaluate the training program.  A three month follow up evaluation also provides opportunity for participants to feedback on how the sessions have impacted their practice and procedures, while also prompting them to reflect on how they have used the skills since the activity.  At the start of the program participants are asked to consent to this three month follow up, the database automatically contacts them via email at the correct time point.

Support materials and resources: All modules include a range of forms, templates, case studies, interactive activities, questionnaires, a resource list, and key evidence based documents.

Certification: When all modules are completed the post Knowledge and Skills questionnaire is displayed, then an Evaluation form is presented and must be completed before receiving a Certificate of completion.

Points: The supporting database will allow AGPN to report to the RACGP and ACCRM the allocated points for the activity.