Computer-assisted diabetes nutrition education increases knowledge and self-efficacy of medical students

Medical students and physicians need to improve their understanding of the role of nutrition and the multidisciplinary team in diabetes care. To assist in this learning, an. interactive computer program was developed that focused on prescribing diets for patients with diabetes. Parallel 10-item knowledge tests and an 8-item self-efficacy scale were used to evaluate the efficacy of the computer program among 41 third-year medical students. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly after using the computer program. Posttest knowledge scores for the medical students approached the level achieved by general practice dietitians with no diabetes specialty training. Mean self-efficacy scores increased significantly. The mean time spent on the educational component of the program was under 30 minutes. Computer-assisted diabetes nutrition education proved to be an efficient and effective method for teaching basic nutrition competencies to medical students. This program is available on the World Wide Web (http://medicine.aecom.yu.edu/ diabetes/DEC.htm) and may be a useful means for providing basic diabetes nutrition education to primary healthcare providers from a variety of disciplines as well as for medical students.