Impact of Continuing Medical Education on Family Physicians' Knowledge and Clinical Decision-Making Regarding Intermittent Fasting in Type 2 Diabetes.

AIMS/

Background

Intermittent fasting (IF) is increasingly adopted by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often without adequate medical supervision. Despite growing patient demand, family physicians frequently report limited formal training in fasting-related diabetes management. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a structured continuing medical education (CME) intervention in improving family physicians' knowledge, confidence, and clinical decision-making regarding IF in T2DM.

Methods

A single-group pre-test and post-test interventional design was employed. Four weekly CME sessions were delivered, with each participant attending one session comprising a didactic lecture. A structured questionnaire was administered before and after each session. A total of 180 participants who completed both assessments and provided informed consent were included in the final analysis.

Results

The educational intervention produced a statistically significant increase in total knowledge scores (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 12.0 [10.0-15.25] vs. 18.0 [15.25-19.0], Z = -9.17, p < 0.001, r = 0.68). Significant improvements were also observed in exercise and diet (r = 0.58), diabetes management (r = 0.43), oral antidiabetic drug adjustment (r = 0.64), and insulin management (r = 0.55) (all p < 0.001). Self-perceived competence in managing patients with fasting T2DM increased from 33.3% to 75.6%, and confidence in medication dose and timing adjustment increased from 26.7% to 72.8%. Years in practice were not associated with knowledge gain (Spearman's rs = -0.058, p = 0.438), and participant characteristics had only limited influence on educational outcomes.

Conclusion

A structured guideline-based CME programme improved short-term knowledge and self-reported confidence regarding IF in T2DM.