Master Of Science In Diabetes Care in University of Malta, Malta

Master Of Science In Diabetes Care in University of Malta

The MSc in Diabetes Care is designed to equip healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus with the necessary knowledge, skills and competances relevant to their practicing holistic patient centred care. Through pursuing this avenue of continuing their professional development they will be in a position to contribute to a highly professional multidisciplinary approach to management by identifying, analysing, and planning the management of patients suffering from this multisystem disorder which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Furthermore they will be able to proactively influence policy and decision making by being in a position to advise healthcare service providers effectively and appropriately.

This programme is offered as an interfaculty programme of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

Learning outcomes

a. Subject Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to:

1. explain the epidemiology, pathophysiology and classification of diabetes; 
2. identify and appraise evidence in relation to the prevention of diabetes;
3. critically discuss issues related to screening for diabetes;
4. plan, deliver and evaluate the care in relation to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes taking a holistic perspective;
5. identify and appraise the different aspects of care in relation to the impact of living with diabetes, including psychological, financial, social and spiritual issues;
6. explain theories related to self-care; 
7. apply these theories to empower persons living with diabetes to self-manage their condition;
8. critically discuss the specific care required in particular patient cohorts, including children and adolescents, women at pre- and post conception, persons with disabilities, persons undergoing medical investigation and surgery;
9. plan care in response to the person's cultural and religious practices or preference.
10. identify the complications of diabetes; 
11. evaluate evidence in relation to prevention, screening and management;
12. explain local and international policy, guidelines and standards for diabetes care including legal and entitlement processes; 
13. identify and appraise the different roles of the interdisciplinary team members involved in diabetes care; and

b. Intellectual Development

Upon completion of the programme, the student will be able to:

1. appraise the evidence in relation to specific aspects of patient management
2. apply the evidence to decision making in the context of patient care

c. Key/Transferable skills

Upon completion of the programme, the student will be able to:

1. carry out a holistic assessment of persons with the metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes- appropriate to the student’s professional role in the diabetes care team;
2. plan care for a person with diabetes appropriate – appropriate to the student’s professional role on the diabetes care team;
3. deliver care appropriate to the student's professional role within the diabetes care team;
4. appropriately identify the need for referral to other members of the interdisciplinary team;
5. communicate effectively with the team;
6. use interpersonal skills to assist with lifestyle modification to enhance health;
7. empower persons living with diabetes to self-manage their condition;
8. evaluate the care provided by the interdisciplinary team;
9. respond to the need for indicated changes; and
10. conduct a research study in relation to diabetes care

d. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development

Upon completion of the programme, the student will be able to:

1. work collaboratively with others;
2. reflect on learning needs;
3. identify and access resources which meet those needs;
4. utilise ICT effectively, including virtual learning resources;
5. participate in the wider diabetes professional community, including national and international organizations such as the International Diabetes Federation.

Course intended for

Healthcare professionals who specialise in diabetes. It aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide high quality care to their patients.

The programme is targeted at community based doctors, hospital doctors, specialist and non specialist nurses, pharmacists and other allied healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with diabetes.

Career opportunites and access to further studies

Successful completion of the MSc in Diabetes Care can facilitate access to different career options in clinical practice, public health, policy development and implementation and academia. MSc graduates may also register for professional doctorates or for research based doctorates (PhD). Furthermore it will empower healthcare professionals from different backgrounds to participate more effectively in Health care Provision in the field of Diabetes.