Impact of a professional development strategy for family physicians on older adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Keywords:
ANCIANO; DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO 2; EDUCACIÓN CONTINUA; EVALUACIÓN DEL IMPACTO EN LA SALUD; EVALUACIÓN EN SALUD. , AGED; DIABETES MELLITUS, TYPE 2; EDUCATION, CONTINUING; HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT; HEALTH EVALUATION., IDOSO; DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO 2; EDUCAÇÃO CONTINUADA; AVALIAÇÃO DO IMPACTO NA SAÚDE; AVALIAÇÃO EM SAÚDE.Abstract
Introduction: The rapid scientific and technological advances in Geriatric Diabetology require targeted professional development programs to enhance the knowledge, performance, and clinical competence of family physicians.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of a professional development strategy on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults by family physicians, including the development of local research theses in each territory.
Methods: A quasi-experimental mixed-methods study was conducted from January 2016 to June 2025 across 11 municipalities in Pinar del Río province and two polyclinics in Artemisa province. Impact assessment was structured along three dimensions: attributable change, depth of change, and territorial contextualization.
Results: Implementation of the strategy led to significant improvements in clinical performance and health outcomes. Physicians’ knowledge increased by 38 % (from 62.4 to 86.1 points). Glycemic control improved, with HbA1c levels decreasing from 8,4 % to 7,1%. Early detection of microvascular complications rose by 45 %, and therapeutic adherence improved by 27 % for medications and 33 % for lifestyle modifications. A total of 39 local research theses were produced, each offering context-specific improvement proposals. Ninety-four percent of participating physicians rated the strategy positively, highlighting its flexibility and utility during the pandemic.
Conclusions: Continuous professional development of primary care providers is a cornerstone for strengthening integrated, high-quality care for older adults with T2DM.
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Copyright (c) 2025 María de la Caridad Casanova Moreno, Modesta Moreno Iglesias , Daisy Antonia Navarro Despaigne, Francisco Machado Reyes, Daimy Casanova Moreno , Wagner González Casanova
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