The current version of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) National Core Competencies for Credentialled Diabetes Educators was originally compiled in 2008 (1). Discussion with key stakeholders has revealed a need to revise the competency document for credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs) in Australia, considering advancements to the credentialling program and increase in primary health disciplines eligible for credentialling (2). Additionally, it is noted that a tiered approach is often used for international equivalents of CDE competencies (3, 4), and the ADEA Board has approved the implementation of an ADEA CDE Fellowship status, as well as directing work towards reviewing university requirements for graduating students potentially on the path to credentialling. It is envisaged that the final CDE competency document will assist in future work meeting many components of the ADEA strategic plan (5).
An initial member consultation occurred to gain insights to opinions of the current core competency document. A working group was then formed consisting of CDEs from a variety of backgrounds and settings. A background literature search was conducted utilising google search, EBSCO and international contacts from various diabetes organisations. Following the literature review and benchmarking of existing diabetes educator competency documents and teleconferences with the competency working group, a draft ADEA National competencies for CDEs was developed. The draft was then reviewed for further input by the ADEA CASP committee, ADEA credentialling committee and a second ADEA member consultation occurred.
A three-tiered approach is being incorporated into the 2017/2018 ADEA National competencies for CDEs, whereby the document will be applicable to all CDEs throughout their professional career. The document will assist planning continuing professional development and learning goals for ongoing credentialling requirements for individual CDEs, as well as inform accreditation standards for post graduate university courses in diabetes education and management.