The ASCEND Programme

Developed by an expert International Steering Committee headed by Professor Martin Abrahamson from Harvard Medical School, the Academy for Science and Continuing Education in Diabetes (ASCEND) Programme is designed to improve the care of people with diabetes worldwide through a comprehensive, practical and effective educational curriculum for medical practitioners.

Glycaemic control is acknowledged as the foundation of diabetes care but despite this, too many individuals with diabetes are exposed to hyperglycaemia and the associated increased risk of micro- and macrovascular complications. Although many educational gaps exist in diabetes management, these can be addressed through appropriately tailored programmes that ultimately aim to improve patient outcomes. The objectives of the ASCEND programme are to encourage a more proactive approach to changing medications or intensifying therapy where appropriate, and improving the understanding of the wide range of therapies available. In addition, ASCEND aims to enable physicians to help their patients better understand their condition and how to use medications to improve glycaemic control.

Developed by our world-renowned faculty, ASCEND’s curriculum comprises a series of CME-accredited, interactive, innovative e-learning courses that provide practical guidance on how to deliver patient-centred diabetes care. Furthermore, physicians who become a full member of the ASCEND community will have a platform for sharing experiences, best practice and practical advice in an international environment.

The e-learning courses have been awarded 8 European CME credits (ECMEC) by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), with a further 5 applications for credits currently under consideration. Developed by faculty to support physicians to improve outcomes for their patients, the ASCEND programme e-learning courses use a blend of interactive formats and videos to facilitate and reinforce learning. The programme is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk A/S. The supporter has had no involvement in the development of the scientific programme, content, or faculty selection; these are the responsibility of the Programme Director Professor Martin Abrahamson and the organizers International Medical Press.