Perception of Competencies and Satisfaction among Graduates of a Comprehensive Diabetes Education Program
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55560/arete.2026.24.12.9Keywords:
Diabetes education, expert patient, program evaluation, competency perception, therapeutic educationAbstract
Introduction: Therapeutic diabetes education (TDE) is essential for metabolic control and complication prevention; however, there is a knowledge gap regarding the evaluation of training programs in the Latin American context. Objective: To assess the perception of competencies and satisfaction among graduates of the Therapeutic Diabetes Education Diploma Program at Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) (2020-2025). Methods: Quantitative, descriptive-cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample of 31 graduates. A Likert-type structured questionnaire (α=0.80) validated by expert judgment was administered. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman). Results: The sample showed a transdisciplinary composition: 61.3% clinical professionals and 38.7% non-clinical backgrounds (including expert patients). High competency perception was reported (93.5% in collaborative goal-setting and self-care). Statistically significant differences were identified between clinical and non-clinical professionals in technical competencies (pharmacological individualization: p=0.007; insulin adjustment: p=0.018). Questionnaire dimensions showed positive and significant correlations (r=0.42 to 0.62, p<0.01). Conclusion: Graduates' perception indicates that the UCV diploma program constitutes an effective training strategy from a transdisciplinary perspective, although improvement areas in technological and pedagogical competencies are identified, guiding future curriculum updates.
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