Feasibility and acceptability of e-learning training about diabetes and insulin usage to Peruvian healthcare professionals.

INTRODUCTION

Insulin is fundamental for the management of diabetes. In Peru, limited training among healthcare professionals is an important barrier to insulin prescription and usage. Given the advantages of e-learning such as time flexibility, low cost and penetration, the Peruvian government launched an e-learning training on diabetes and insulin usage for healthcare professionals working in public facilities in December 2021. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of this initiative.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed-methods study with a sequential explanatory design to assess feasibility and acceptability of the e-learning training. We included all enrolled participants regardless of whether they completed the course. First, quantitative data were collected through online surveys. Then, qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews. The data were analysed separately, but the results were interpreted together to triangulate findings.

RESULTS

This course reached 536 healthcare professionals at the national level, from which 338 (63.1%) completed the course. 304 (56.7%) of the participants lived outside Lima, the capital of Peru, and 285 (53.2%) worked in a primary care facility. Participants manifested high satisfaction with the course content and its applicability. However, some barriers to participation were found. Chiefly, family burden, workload, poor internet connection and the lack of protected training hours.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the feasibility of using e-learning to train healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved areas, offering flexibility and broad access. Some barriers need to be considered for future interventions that prevent dropouts.