Twenty years of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Science Schools programs: Assessment of their impact on the participants' personal careers and networking development.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The following report describes the evaluation of the ISPAD Science School for Physicians (ISSP) and for Healthcare Professionals (ISSHP) in terms of their efficiency and success. METHODS: All past attendees from 2000-2019 ISSP and 2004-2019 ISSHP programs were invited to respond to an online survey to assess perceived outcomes of the programs on career development, scientific enhancement, scientific networking, and social opportunities. RESULTS: One-third of the past ISSP (129/428), and approximately 43% of the past ISSHP attendees (105/245) responded to the surveys. Most of ISSP attendees reported that the programs supported their career (82%) by helping to achieve a research position (59%), being engaged with diabetes care (68%) or research (63%) or starting a research fellowship (59%). Responders indicated that ISSP was effective in increasing interest in diabetes research (87%) and enhancing the number (66%) and quality (83%) of scientific productions, and promotion of international collaborations (86%). After the ISSP, 34% of responders received research grants. From the first round of the ISSHP survey (2004-2013), responders reported have improved knowledge (60%), gained more confidence in research (69%), undertaken a research project (63%), and achieved a higher academic degree (27%). From the second round (2014-2019), participants indicated that the program was valuable/useful in workplace (94%) through understanding (89%) and conducting (68%) research and establishing communication from other participants (64%) or from faculty (42%). After the ISSHP, 17% had received awards. CONCLUSIONS: From the participants' viewpoint, both programs were effective in improving engagement with diabetes research, supporting career opportunities, increasing scientific skills, and enhancing networking and research activities.