Resumo

GARCIA, Rosario  e  SUAREZ, Rolando. Results of a Cuban education strategy in diabetes after 25 years of experience. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2007, vol.33, n.2. ISSN 0864-3466.

Diabetes mellitus is an example of the need for a therapeutical education process that together with clinical care assures the treatment efficacy in persons suffering from this disease. It was shown how this action has been undertaken within the National Program of Diabetes in Cuba. The first working phase (in the 70´s) centered on declaring education as a primary function, setting basic information courses for diabetic persons and publishing educational leaflets. Knowledge about this disease increased significantly and average glycemia concentrations temporarily lowered. In the second phase (in the 80´s), the design of an Educational Program for Diabetes with well-defined objectives was a quality leap where better adherence to treatment, better metabolic control and a reduction of complications were found. In the third phase (1990 to date) the Program was extended to all services of the national healthcare system and support was given to other countries of the regions in preparing their own programs. A better quality of services in primary health care and the international acknowledgement of the Cuban educational strategy in Diabetes were achieved. The theoretical model outlined in the National Program proved to be effective after 25 years of experience. Its development from practice to theory and then back to practice to make changes allowed progresses from the initial product to the generalization extended to the whole national healthcare system.

Palavras-chave : Diabetes mellitus; education for diabetes; therapeutical education; strategy; education programs; Cuba.

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