Recognition Programme
The Consultative Section on Diabetes Education (DECS) of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was established in 1994. One of DECS’ functions is to conduct and/or stimulate the development of programmes and activities relevant to diabetes education worldwide. Over the years, DECS has received many requests for recognition of existing healthcare professional education courses and materials.
In response, DECS now offers the Recognition Programme whereby organizations offering courses in diabetes education and management are encouraged and recognized for meeting international standards. Recognition sends a message to the public that a programme has undergone an external review and has achieved a level of excellence in the education of healthcare providers working in the field of diabetes education.
Awarding IDF recognition to a programme is not synonymous with granting certification or credentialing or formally accrediting the courses. These processes must be developed, implemented and managed at a local or sub-regional level. It is NOT the role, nor the intent, of IDF to be involved in certification.
This programme is deliberately broad so that it remains sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of countries in the early stages of developing courses, but provides enough structure to allow consistency of presentation and content.
Recognition obtained under the DECS process applies to diabetes education courses for healthcare providers and is conferred on the understanding that the following pertain:
- For the safety of others, people engaged in the field of health should carry out only those clinical and educational procedures for which they have been prepared and are sanctioned by the appropriate Regulatory Body or Professional Organization.
- Preparation should include theory and supervised practice and assessment within a specified time frame.
- Maintenance of knowledge and skill in performing clinical procedures and education is essential. Measures should be in place to ensure that regular review of competence occurs according to the statutory regulations within each country.
- Healthcare providers are at all times responsible for their own acts. They are expected to be aware of the limits of their abilities and to function within those limits and according to the specific laws and regulations that govern their practice in the country in which they are working.
- Recognition of education courses by IDF does not imply any financial support by IDF nor can IDF be responsible or accountable.
- Recognition status gives the successful course permission to use the IDF logo (in accordance with IDF guidelines) and the statement “This course has been recognized by the IDF Consultative Section on Diabetes Education” on promotional and/or educational material for the course.
Process
The Recognition Programme is currently under revision. For more information, contact Helen McGuire, IDF Diabetes Education Manager.
