Enhancement of shared decision-making competencies in diabetes care using the BOPPPS model: a training program design for general practitioners

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. China has the highest number of diabetic cases worldwide. However, diabetes mellitus is associated with poor awareness, treatment, and control rates. Thus, strategies such as shared decision-making (SDM) are needed to improve diabetes management. In China, SDM training tailored for general practitioners (GPs) is limited, hindering its clinical application. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a diabetes-specific SDM training program for Chinese GPs to increase their communication and decision-making skills in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) care. Ten GPs from Xicheng District, Beijing, participated in the program. The curriculum, which focused on reflective learning theory, was structured using the BOPPPS model (Bridge-in, Objective, Pre-assessment, Participatory Learning, Post-assessment, Summary) in a 4-session (160-min) training program and incorporated group discussions, role-playing, case analyses, and decision aids. Training effectiveness was assessed using quantitative methods (writing tests, role-playing evaluations, and surveys) and qualitative focus group interviews. Statistical and thematic analyses were performed using SPSS and NVivo, respectively. The test scores after training were significantly higher than those before training (p = 0.028). Role-playing assessments demonstrated that most participants mastered SDM core elements. Moreover, survey assessments indicated high levels of satisfaction and perceived practicality of the training. Qualitative feedback revealed enhanced attitudes, knowledge, and skills with positive impacts on clinical practice. The participants recommended increasing case complexity, optimizing scheduling, and establishing feedback mechanisms for further refinement. This SDM training program effectively improved the competencies of GPs in diabetes care, offering a novel educational framework for T2DM management. Although this study has several limitations (small sample size and single-city focus), it provides a foundation for scaling up training, evaluating long-term outcomes, and refining curricula to enhance diabetes care quality and patient health outcomes as a pilot study.