Since 2016 rtCGM is covered by regular insurance in Germany. One requirement for prescription is having participated in an education program on CGM.“SPECTRUM” (Gehr,JDScT 2017) is the only structured industry- and device-independent and device-independent education program available. Its 5-6 modules, each taking about 90 min, covers all aspects of rtCGM therapy (technique, use, calibration, analysis, troubleshooting etc.).
All parents of CGM-naïve families underwent the SPECTRUM education program consecutively in the 7 participating centers by certified trainers.
A questionnaire with 40 multiple choice questions about glycaemic parameters and sensor treatment was answered after module 0 (general introduction of CGM) and after training completion.
Primary endpoint was the difference of correct answered questions.
Of 65 recruited parents who participated in visit one, 63 answered the questionnaire in visit 2.
8 children were on MDI therapy, 57 on CSII, 37 female (57%,) mean age 7.2 ± 3.7 years( range 0.9-12.0 y), diabetes duration mean 2.7 ± 2.5 years (maximum 11 years, 30 children up to 6 months after onset), last HbA1c before training 7.3± 0.8 %.
After training, the number of correct answers increased significantly (17.7±8.3 vs. 29.7±4.6; p<0.001), independent from educating center. Measured confidence and acceptance of the system was high after training.
The education program “SPECTRUM” helped to enlarge parent’s knowledge significantly and independently from educating center, as well as confidence and acceptance.
A follow up after 6 months will be performed to evaluate if there is an enduring effect in knowledge and metabolic control.