The factors that limit activities of certified diabetes educators in Japan: a questionnaire survey

Abstract

BackgroundThe certified diabetes educator (CDE) is a qualification awarded to health professionals with specialized knowledge, skills, and experiences in diabetes management and education. To clarify whether CDEs consider themselves to be working sufficiently, in other words, making sufficient use of their specialized skills or not, a questionnaire survey was conducted.The participants were persons involved in diabetes-related educational seminars and medical personnel engaged in diabetes care at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine. They were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding self -perception of CDE’s activities and to describe the reasons for their answers.FindingsFewer than 40% of the responding CDEs in each of the professions surveyed were satisfied with the current state of their activities and contributions as a CDE. For CDEs, “lack of labor” is the most concerning issue that limits their satisfactory activities as CDEs, followed by “condition of facilities”. Other factors such as insufficient “interprofessional teamwork”, “limited personal ability”, “mismatched allocation”, and “low recognition for CDEs” also limited their activities.ConclusionMany CDEs perceived they are not working sufficiently. Further efforts should be made to support CDEs to improve their working conditions.

<p>Survey evaluation of in-hospital diabetes seminars provided by medical professionals, for medical professionals</p>

“…However, according to a previous survey with CDEJs, fewer than 40% of the responding CDEJs were satisfied with the current state of their activities and contributions as CDEJs 24. Many perceived that they were not working sufficiently, and the reasons identified for this included “low awareness of CDEJs” and “insufficient interprofessional teamwork.”24 In the present seminar, CDEJs prepared and disseminated information to other medical professionals, and this might be a good opportunity to improve awareness of CDEJs by other medical professionals. As for “insufficient interprofessional teamwork,” by participating in the seminar, medical professionals might get acquainted with each other, and through the lectures, participants might deepen their understanding of other professions’ skills and activities.…”

“…Incorporating diabetes educators into clinical services is expected to improve clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of persons with diabetes,22 and many medical professionals recognize the need for more diabetes educators such as diabetes specialist nurses 23. However, according to a previous survey with CDEJs, fewer than 40% of the responding CDEJs were satisfied with the current state of their activities and contributions as CDEJs 24. Many perceived that they were not working sufficiently, and the reasons identified for this included “low awareness of CDEJs” and “insufficient interprofessional teamwork.”24 In the present seminar, CDEJs prepared and disseminated information to other medical professionals, and this might be a good opportunity to improve awareness of CDEJs by other medical professionals.…”

A Patient-Held Medical Record Integrating Depression Care into Diabetes Care

“…Certified diabetes educator of Japan is a qualification awarded by the Japanese Certification Board for Diabetes Educators, to a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, clinical laboratory technician, or physical therapist possessing wide specialist knowledge of diabetes, since 2000. 25,26 In addition, CDEs who play an active role in local areas are called local certified diabetes educators. Local certified diabetes educators are trained in a manner corresponding to the conditions of an individual local area.…”

Avaliação de conhecimento sobre diabetes em profissionais de assistência em farmácia que atuam na rede pública no município de Campinas

“…O National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017 revelou que mais de 25% dos idosos dos EUA (65 anos ou mais), possuem DM2. 4 Diabetes mellitus gestacional:…”

“…2,3 When it comes to assisting diabetic patients, the medical care demands interprofessional teams. 4 In this context, the Pharmacy Assistance Professionals (PAP), which act in the Community Pharmacies (CP) in the dispensing of medication and diabetes devices, can be considered as key professionals in the process of care.…”