Diabetes Education Network Scotland Donald Pearson 3 rd June 2009

What outcome (s) would indicate progress in the area of structured education? How can we improve access? How can we ensure quality across Scotland?

BETTER DIABETES CARE: A CONSULTATION DOCUMENT The revised action plan…. ……“ must also consider specific issues of importance to people with diabetes such as structured education needs, the availability of insulin pump therapy and access to psychological care. The consultation is also an opportunity to consider what more we can do to recognise self management as a vital component of diabetes care. “

4. PUTTING PATIENTS AT THE CENTRE 4.1. Patient Focus In today's NHS, the views of patients and carers have, in principle, the same weight as clinical standards The Scottish Health Council has been reformed to help improve the way that people are involved in decisions about health services The Patient Experience Programme, Better Together, was established to drive service improvement through patient feedback Plans for Patients' Rights legislation affirm a fundamental shift in the relationship between patients and the NHS. Supporting people with diabetes to take personal control of the management of their diabetes is key to a successful action plan.

Structured Education Education is a cornerstone of good diabetes care. The NHSQIS/Diabetes UK Scotland overview report on diabetes care published in March 2008 noted that 12 of the 14 NHS Boards had well-established systems in place for the provision of some form of education session to newly diagnosed patients.

Structured Education The provision of structured education calls for investment of time and human resources, either to train educators or to obtain cover while existing staff cascade training to other staff. Implementation of educational programmes can be challenging for the diabetes Managed Clinical Networks, since regular structured education programmes may not have an obvious source of funding. In addition, some clinical staff may not have the expertise to deliver group education and there may be limited staff time to attend training courses in education techniques. These educational activities are however essential to basic diabetes care. The following are examples of evidence based structured education programmes available in Scotland.

Structured Education Consideration will need to be given to the most effective way of increasing the provision of structured education programmes. Added attention will need to be focused on the information and educational needs of those who have had diabetes for some time, as well as those newly-diagnosed. It is also important that information is provided in a way that does not widen health inequalities. Delivery of structured education needs to be rigorously monitored in terms of quality assurance, and training and accrediting the trainers.

Consultation Questions What outcome would indicate progress in the area of structured education? How can we improve access? How can we ensure quality across Scotland?