The medical and healthcare industry relies on innovations to improve patient care and treatment outcomes while lowering costs. However, innovations are also necessary in education to ensure students gain a better understanding and training when treating patients with diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
What makes innovations in medical education incredibly significant is that they help ensure healthcare services can successfully meet ever-growing health needs in a specific population.
Education and training tools raise awareness of a specific health problem and make it easier for students to develop their skills. Innovations in education don’t rely on technology only, but also on human creativity. In this post, I will further focus on innovations in diabetes education and training tools.
Artificial Intelligence and Chatbots in Diabetes Education and Training
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence by computer systems and robust datasets. A good example of AI is the use of chatbots, which simulate human-like conversations. Probably the most well-known chatbot today is ChatGPT. A. Gilson et al. reported that ChatGPT has an amount of medical knowledge comparable to that of a third-year medical student. For that reason, ChatGPT has the potential for use as an educational tool.
Although more research on this subject is necessary, ChatGPT could be used in diabetes education as a training tool. This chatbot could generate interactive simulations that give students the opportunity to explore the underlying mechanisms of diabetes. Moreover, this type of AI can generate case studies to challenge medical students to apply their knowledge in realistic scenarios.
While the use of AI, such as ChatGPT, is an interesting and innovative method in diabetes education, its widespread adoption will take some time to observe.
Diabetes Simulation Challenge
In medicine, simulation is a valuable learning tool because it simulates specific health conditions, allowing students to develop or improve their skills. Simulation serves as a practical training tool in diabetes education, as well.
In their paper, E. Schaffer-Hudkins et al. focused on the Diabetes Simulation Challenge as a training tool for medical students. This challenge is a perspective-taking exercise that promotes patient-centered care. Simulation, or exercise, revolved around dealing with a patient who has type 1 diabetes. Not only does the simulation exercise help develop skills, but it also improves empathy toward patients. Improvement in empathy can lead to better care for patients dealing with challenging illnesses.
3D Models as Training Tools in Diabetes Education
In the medical field, 3D models are physical replicas of anatomical structures achieved by 3D printing. The uses of 3D models in medicine are numerous. For example, they allow surgeons to plan surgical procedures. At the same time, 3D modeling is a practical educational tool. C.M. Ardila et al. reported in their paper that students find it easier to gain knowledge or learn skills when 3D models are involved. The use of such technology particularly appeals to younger generations of students.
Thanks to 3D modeling, diabetes research can expand, providing healthcare professionals with greater insight into this disease. For that reason, 3D models can serve as an educational tool.
Board Game in Diabetes Education
Board games are fun, and everyone loves them. To win at board games, participants need to demonstrate knowledge, expertise, and specific skills. One innovation in diabetes education could be the use of a board game format. In a study by K.E. Twist et al, students used a diabetes board game and cards to compete in small groups. The board game led to an improvement in medical knowledge, which increased from 7.3 before the game to 8.0 immediately afterward. In addition to improving learning, board games also improved confidence in diabetes diagnosis, according to the results of the stud,y which were published on the website of MedEdPORTAL.
Tools and Kits in Diabetes Education and Training
Tools and kits play an important role in diabetes education and training. Students can utilize various kits and tools to enhance their skills and treat patients with diverse health issues and concerns. They enable students to gain practical knowledge in addition to a theoretical understanding of this chronic disease. The following are some helpful tools and kits.
Diabetic Foot Model
The diabetic foot model is a realistic representation of diabetic foot, a common problem that people with diabetes develop. High blood glucose levels damage the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, thereby causing problems such as pain, numbness, and skin changes.
As a training tool, the diabetic foot model from 3B Scientific helps students improve or develop the skills necessary to treat this problem. The foot model features a gangrenous alteration on the big toe that has spread from the back to the forefoot area. The model also comes with a trophic ulcer on the sole and the loss of a skin layer with subcutaneous tissue damage is visible.
Diabetes model
The primary purpose of a diabetes model is to illustrate how this chronic disease affects various organs and tissues. With this model, students have a visual representation of the mechanisms associated with diabetes, making the learning and training process easier. For example, a diabetes model may feature structures and organs with vascular effects caused by diabetes mellitus. The visual representation of the impact of diabetes is typically accompanied by detailed explanations that provide additional information to students.
Diabetes model kits also come with simulators and activities whose primary purpose is to help students enhance their understanding, promoting the prevention and management of diabetes. The diabetes model kit at RealityWorks is reasonably practical.
Diabetic Injection Model Kit
One significant aspect of treating patients with diabetes is administering injections or taking blood samples. Both require practice. The diabetic injection model kit is a practical training tool because it allows students to sharpen their skills. The kit typically includes a skin model for practicing injections and a finger model for practicing lancet use. Since realistic material is used, both models can be repeatedly punctured while a student is working on their skills.
