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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Diabetes 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94846  Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Diabetes 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to allow practising doctors to develop foundational skills in clinical paediatric diabetes management to ensure safe practice in a resource-scarce setting.

This qualification is therefore aimed at African trainees to improve the care of children and adolescents with diabetes. It is intended to train paediatricians with an interest in diabetes to become proficient in the diagnosis, classification, recognition and management of diabetic emergencies, long term care and the education of children and their families, thereby building capacity to improve child health in Africa. This enables and empowers these working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development in this sub-area of their practice by means of training which is targeted at current thinking, practice and research methods in the area of paediatric diabetes management, and allows these skilled workers to use their knowledge gained to lobby for improving child health.

Rationale:
The Department of Paediatrics has been training general practitioners from other African countries in terms of the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme (APFP) for some years. These trainees benefit from greater support and resources whereby they are able to demonstrate that they have acquired a recognised qualification. However, previously these trainees were not awarded any certification, thus the process needed to be structured so that the trainees leave with a measurable and certified outcome. It is envisaged that the qualification may also be useful to South African doctors in resource-challenged health care settings, and that even paediatricians who are not necessarily exposed to these skills and techniques would also find the training helpful.

Those doctors who wish to and qualify for admission to a speciality or sub-speciality training programme (of 4 and 2 years respectively) may apply for admission to such qualifications. It has been noted that many doctors and specialists cannot leave their jobs in the public health care sector in their home countries for extended periods of time, and furthermore they have no desire to specialise or do research, however, there is a critical need for doctors in Africa, particularly those in resource-poor areas to gain skills in diagnosing and managing (often through referral) the most acute paediatric diseases. This Diploma aims to help address that need.

It must also be pointed out that a full sub-specialisation requires massive investment in infrastructure and this is not possible in some countries. Thus the emphasis in the Diploma would be on core diagnostic skills required at the point of first contact with health care facilities in resource-limited areas. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL will be possible whereby specific existing knowledge and skills will be assessed in one or more of the courses, against the outcomes of the course and in line with the assessment procedures of the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
For admission to this qualification, a learner must be:
  • Qualified with a Bachelor in medicine (MBBS, MBChB/equivalent qualification).
  • Have experience working in paediatrics.
  • Registered with the HPCSA. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 2 compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.
  • Clinical Management of Paediatric Diabetes, 90 Credits.
  • Essay: Transition and Translation of Knowledge, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand the definition, practices, diagnosis and classification of diabetes.
    2. Manage hypoglycaemia in the diabetic.
    3. Awareness of associated conditions and other complications. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Awareness of the prevalence of children with diabetes in Africa is demonstrated and the challenges to correct diagnosis is applied and implement care is displayed.
  • The presentation and phases of diabetes is understood.
  • Knowledge of current recommended international guidelines relevant to practice in the field is demonstrated and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Translate knowledge to own practice in home country is understood.
  • The essential biochemical screens are understood and the results in managing insulin treatment are interpreted and the different insulin regimens are administered.
  • The assessment and monitoring of glycaemic control is understood.
  • Diabetes education is provided.
  • The role and implications of exercise and diabetes is understood.
  • Nutritional management of the diabetic is communicated to patient.
  • An appropriate clinical management approach to diabetes care and puberty and adolescent care is displayed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Knowledge of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes is understood.
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis is managed accordingly.
  • Knowledge of ambulatory diabetes care is understood.
  • Knowledge of the psychological issues affecting the child with diabetes is understood.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is both formative and summative. Formative assessment is built on continuous feedback on both knowledge and clinical competence. Knowledge is then applied and such application will be assessed in an extended essay. As well as completion of logbook with varied diabetes related problems must be completed. A formal assessment will be undertaken at three- monthly intervals to gauge the learner`s progress.
    An exit examination will consist of a clinical examination in an ambulatory setting and a portfolio based oral examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    To ensure that this qualification is comparable to international standards a comparability study was conducted by analysing the degree to which this qualification is aligned to international best practice, thus it was compared with similar qualifications offered around the world.
    The University of New South Wales in the United Kingdom offers the Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes. The qualification is designed to be practical and clinically focused. On completion of the diploma, learners must have:
  • A greater understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to the care of people with Diabetes.
  • A greater confidence and understanding of the management of people with Diabetes through case studies and discussion.
  • Improved critical analysis of published data and data interpretation.

    The course is designed to be relevant to all health professionals who might manage people with Diabetes and is particularly relevant to.
    General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Diabetes Specialist Nurses, Podiatrists, Pharmacists, Dietitians and Pharmaceutical Representatives.
    The postgraduate diploma qualification comprises the following focus areas:
  • Principles of Diabetes: relating to diagnosis, classification, epidemiology and the metabolic syndrome.
  • Approaches to Care: relating to the role of the multidisciplinary team, education and the patient perspective.
  • Promoting Self Care: relating to diet, exercise and psychological aspects.
  • Management of Diabetes: relating to therapies, Research methods and clinical guidelines.
  • Complications (microvascular): relating to acute metabolic and microvascular complications.
  • Complications (macrovascular):relating to macrovascular disease, diabetic foot disease, IHD, Stroke, hypertension and lipids.

    On completion of this qualification the learner will be able to:
  • Analyse the contribution of different health professionals to providing Diabetes care.
  • Adopt relevant psychological, behavioural and educational strategies in managing Diabetes care.
  • Able to employ a variety of techniques and approaches to encourage self-management of physical activity and nutrition.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the therapeutic management options of people with Diabetes.
  • Have an awareness of the role of emerging therapies and evaluate current and emerging therapies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to create clinical guidelines.
  • Be competent in the recognition and management of the acute metabolic complications of Diabetes.
  • Be competent in the recognition and management of microvascular complications of Diabetes.
  • Use the evidence base to identify risk factors for macrovascular complications.
  • Appraise clinical trial evidence in the management of macrovascular complications.
  • Multidisciplinary working in complex/unpredictable cases and situations.

    Medvarsity and Apollo Hospitals Educational and Research Foundation (AHERF), in India offer the Diploma in Diabetes Management qualification which includes a 2 week contact program at Apollo Sugar Clinics/ Accredited Apollo Hospitals across India.
    This qualification is designed to impart knowledge, skills and confidence for the management of Diabetic patients and facilitate the physicians to develop the skills for efficient and integrated diabetic care.
    Qualification Objectives:
  • To enhance the Physician's knowledge of the basic sciences pertaining to Diabetes Mellitus.
  • To understand the clinical manifestations and efficiently diagnose Diabetes Mellitus using the current investigative tools.
  • To understand and put into practice the current therapeutic principles in Diabetes Mellitus and non-pharmacological management of Diabetes Mellitus.
  • To understand and manage the emergencies and complications related to Diabetes Mellitus.
  • To develop the necessary skills for counselling and educating Diabetic patients and their families.
  • To develop a 'preventing' and 'promoting' healthcare approach to Diabetes management.

    Conclusion:
    Although the international qualifications relate to both adult and children diabetes, however, the outcomes and the purpose of the qualifications compares favourably to the South African qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Diabetes, learners can articulate horizontally to a Bachelor Degree in Emergency Medical Care at NQF Level 8 or can articulate vertically to Master of Medicine in Paediatrics at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Cape Town 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.