(135) SWEET-DM - Students wearing external glucose monitors to educate and treat patients with diabetes mellitus

Objective : To assess the impact of an interprofessional progressive diabetes case discussion which included collaborative development of disease state and therapy recommendations and application and wearing of a continuous glucose monitor.

Methods: Third-year medical (n=70) and pharmacy (n=69) students collaborated in small interprofessional teams to apply their knowledge to a progressive diabetes case scenario from the inpatient to outpatient setting in this 1.5-hour class. Students also received education on continuous glucose monitors (CGM) with subsequent CGM application. After a 10-to-14-day sensor wear time, they submitted an evaluation of the activity to include reflecting upon the impact of the CGM on their lifestyle and future practice implications.

Results: 100 students (67 pharmacy and 33 medical) completed the post-activity survey for an overall 72% response rate. More than 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the objectives were met by the experience with 97% agreeing that the class taught them to apply a CGM and provide appropriate education. 94% of students expressed that the class allowed them to evaluate the personal impact of the CGM wear experience on lifestyle choices and future practice. Students enjoyed the interprofessional collaboration with 89% indicating that their appreciation for interprofessional collaboration increased and that the activity was worthwhile for their professional development. 93% appreciated the opportunity to develop recommendations in collaboration with other health professional students regarding diabetes management in various settings.

Conclusions: This interprofessional clinical experience simulation proved to be valuable to both medical and pharmacy students regarding their knowledge gained for collaborative diabetes management in both inpatient and outpatient care and use of continuous glucose monitors for future practice experiences.