The Development of a Multimedia Interactive Learning (MIL) Program in Diabetes Care for Health Care Professionals in Northeastern Thailand.

ABSTRACT

Objective: This paper reports the development of a multimedia interactive learning (MIL) program in diabetes care for health care professionals in northeastern Thailand. It aims to be a supplementary tool for health care professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in diabetes treatment. Methods: The program was developed via software called “Authorware Professional 7.1Ò”. Additionally, audio and video clips were implemented into the program as part of the multimedia interactive functions. The program covers different aspects of diabetes care including; basic knowledge of diabetes, available treatments (e.g., oral medications, insulin, non-medication treatments), patient monitoring (e.g., diet, exercise, blood glucose check up), case studies (e.g., patient cases), and assessments (e.g., multiple choice questions). Moreover, the insulin injection techniques were demonstrated via video clips. Interestingly, the program itself will be running via a mouse-clicking with automatic audio sounds. After the completion of the program, an attitude survey towards a MIL program was conducted next. Results: The overall results were positively favorable. Some changes were made into the program based on the recommendations. A further evaluation of the effectiveness of the program with the health care professionals needs to be conducted via a well designed study. More surveys regarding the attitudes toward the program will be continually performed. Conclusion: a multimedia interactive learning (MIL) program was completely developed. The usefulness of the program in diabetes care management via health care professionals is still needed. Further evaluations of attitudes toward to the program need to be done.