Background
Timing education and support with the progression of type 2 diabetes(T2D) requires a collaborative and consistent approach. Generalist rural health professionals(HP’s) have an important role to play in supporting and reinforcing diabetes self management. These HP’s require high quality continuing professional development targeted to their needs.

Aim
Improve online access to best practice information about type 2 diabetes care and management.

Method
An online program was developed. The 11 module course uses a case study that tracks through each module highlighting the natural progression of T2D’s. The modules include set readings and teaching tools for patient education. To strengthen competency development, participants need to complete a number of free text questions. Answers are reviewed by a credentialled diabetes educator and feedback is provided online. Certificates of completion are issued once participants complete all requirements.

Evaluation included pre/post knowledge survey and a process survey. A separate survey was sent to those who registered but did not start/complete the program.

Results
In the 6 month period from July 2011 – January 2012, 66 rural HP’s registered to do the program. To date 9 HP’s have completed all requirements and were issued a certificate. Of the 55 who had not completed the program, 24 registered but never started and 31 are at various stages of completion. Barriers to completion include lack of time and difficulties in sustaining motivation. In addition the pre survey highlighted common areas of knowledge deficit. Some deficits were also evident in the post survey suggesting either difficulty with the content or content unclear.

Conclusion
Although we experienced a high number of registrations for the program only a very small number had completed. Future modifications to include a greater focus on the identified deficit areas and a more personalised mentoring framework that includes phone support for isolated rural HP’s.