Online school staff training improved type 1 diabetes knowledge and confidence
Last updated May 15, 2026
Key finding
In a pre-post study of 436 Italian school staff, a 1-hour synchronous online psychoeducational session improved type 1 diabetes knowledge, confidence in diabetes management, and recognition of hypoglycemia symptoms immediately after training.
This study tested a 1-hour live online training session for school staff on type 1 diabetes. Staff knowledge and confidence scores improved right after the session, and participants reported better ability to recognize low blood sugar symptoms. Because there was no control group and only immediate follow-up, longer-term effects are uncertain.
Quick read
Study at a glance
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
non-randomized clinical trial (non-RCT or NRCT)
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
High Risk
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
In a pre-post study of 436 Italian school staff, a 1-hour synchronous online psychoeducational session improved type 1 diabetes knowledge, confidence in diabetes management, and recognition of hypoglycemia symptoms immediately after training.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Caldarelli G, Troncone A, Chianese A, et al. Evaluation of the Impact of a Psychoeducational Program on Type 1 Diabetes in Italian Schools: A Pre-Post Study. J Sch Health. 2026;96(5):e70141. doi:10.1111/josh.70141
Main Effects
↑ Type 1 diabetes knowledge score increased from 9.66 to 10.32/11
↑ Self-perceived diabetes management ability increased (d=0.99)
↑ Ability to recognize hypoglycemia symptoms improved (d=0.97)
Evidence Suggest
- A brief synchronous online psychoeducational session can improve short-term diabetes literacy among school staff
- Staff confidence-related outcomes improved alongside objective knowledge score gains
- Findings support school-health collaboration models but need confirmation with controlled long-term studies
Who this applies to
School staff members (teachers, principals, and nonteaching personnel) in schools attended by children with type 1 diabetes, primarily in Southern Italy.
Keep in Mind
The intervention was short and measured only immediate effects. Results may not reflect sustained behavior change. Because schools volunteered and staff self-selected participation, findings may overrepresent people already motivated to learn about diabetes care.
Between the Lines
- No control group, so causal inference is limited
- Outcomes measured immediately post-session without long-term retention data
- High noncompletion rate from enrollment to paired analysis
- Several outcomes are self-reported and may be affected by social desirability
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