Introduction and Objective: Exercise is key in diabetes management, yet patients’ knowledge and absence of exercise specialists may be limiting factors. Physical therapists (PTs), as exercise specialists, should be part of diabetes care. Yet PTs knowledge of diabetes in the US and abroad is limited. The aim of this study was to 1) compare baseline knowledge of US PTs in a residency program to PTs in Canada (CA) and Saudi Arabia (SA), and 2) assess the effect of an education module for US PTs.Methods: Eight participants enrolled in PT residency programs, at two universities, completed pre- and post-training surveys. The surveys have been used to describe PTs knowledge of diabetes in CA and SA. The module was a 2-hour lecture about foundational diabetes and pathophysiology knowledge, the role of PTs, and clinical decision making. Correct responses to knowledge questions were compared across studies, and over time for US PTs.Results: US trained PTs baseline diabetes knowledge varied but was comparable to CA and SA. (Table) Current clinical practice standards were poorer for US PTs compared to CA and SA. (Table) However, after the module, all US diabetes scores improved and were higher than CA and SA scoresConclusion: US PTs diabetes knowledge is comparable to those in CA and SA. However, PTs current clinical practice approach was worse. US PTs knowledge improved after an education module about diabetes. Follow-up is needed to determine if the education module impacted clinical practice.
K. Cummer: None. M.D. Ferguson: None. D. Quach: None. M. Hastings: None.
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