P-324: Strengthening knowledge and bridging gaps in type 1 diabetes care through online, zero-cost physician training: experience from the North-east eXcellence in T1D (NEXT) program
L Priyambada, A Virmani, P Singh, A Goel Sharma, S Chugh, P Yadav, S K Boddu, J S KaushikAbstract
Introduction
Effective ambulatory care of persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires structured, updated physician knowledge. Limited access to expertise in geographically dispersed, resource-limited regions like North-East (NE) India may affect T1D care. We designed a virtual, pro-bono program - North-East eXcellence in T1D (NEXT) - to bridge the gap.
Objectives
Assess impact of NEXT in improving knowledge of T1D care among doctors from NE India.
Methods
4 90-min online sessions with 20-item pre/post-tests each Sunday in June 2026 for in-training & practicing physicians, covering insulin therapy, BG monitoring, CGM, diet, exercise, sick-day, hypos, school care, mental health & transition to adult care. A WhatsApp group continues for ongoing learning. We compared paired scores using the paired t-test.
Results
Across NE, 140 registered—Assam(65.7%), Manipur(30%), Sikkim(2.1%), other NE states(2.2%); 123 participated, Pediatric (53.6%) & Adult (7.1%) trainees. 52 (42.2%) attended all sessions, 13(10.6%) attended 3. Sessions 1–3 showed significant improvement (Table), mainly injection technique, BGM frequency, hypo correction; Session 4 had high baseline scores. Analysis of 274 paired responses showed improvement from 16.28/20 to 18.06/20, mean gain 1.78 points (8.9% points; p<0.0001). Feedback from 38%: useful program; repeat sessions requested after 6–12 months. Paired N - participants who completed both pre-post-test [maximum marks (MM) = 20]; included in paired analysis. Mean gain - paired difference between pre-post test scores. %-point gain = mean gain/20 × 100; *p <0.05- significant.
Conclusions
NEXT achieved wide geographical reach, significant knowledge gain & positive feedback at zero cost, making it replicable in remote resource-limited regions. Challenges included limited reach among doctors caring for T1D and attrition. Planned ongoing learning may sustain these gains.