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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #331736
Title: Multimedia technology for diabetes education of school nurses

Author
item REDONDO, MARIA - Baylor College Of Medicine
item CARR, CHRISTIN - Texas Children'S Hospital
item Thompson, Deborah - Debbe

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2016
Publication Date: 6/30/2016
Citation: Redondo, M.J., Carr, C., Thompson, D.J. 2016. Multimedia technology for diabetes education of school nurses [abstract]. American Diabetes Association 76th Scientific Sessions. June 10-14, 2016; New Orleans, LA. Poster 661-P.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) require school nurses (SN) with specific diabetes training. Multimedia learning can facilitate cost-effective, convenient education of SN by diabetes educators (DE). We conducted formative research to gather qualitative and quantitative data to inform the intervention structure and content. Using an iterative, mixed methods approach (surveys, interviews) with 8 Texas Children's Hospital DE and 21 SN from a large school district in southwestern U.S., we identified effective preferred components of a multimedia educational tool. We found that limited availability, time constraints, lack of resources that align with published guidelines and local practice, and insufficient tools for hands-on training were identified as barriers to effective education of SN by DE. Both DE and SN were familiar with multimedia technology and endorsed the use of video clips, electronic presentations, and phone apps. However, "traditional" formats were also recommended, including printable hand-outs and books. Furthermore, videogames, which would offer a proxy for hands-on demonstrations, were not well accepted, possibly due to lack of familiarity with the technology. A website, accessible from mobile and stationary devices, was regarded as an optimal platform to develop an educational tool, with readily accessible, simple and consistent information in a variety of formats and links to reliable resources. DE and SN largely agreed on intervention content. In conclusion, time- and cost-effective diabetes education of SN is an unmet need that multimedia technology may address. This formative research provided key information to refine the model to reflect the needs, interests and preferences of the DE and SN.