Running a Diabetes Education Group Alison Weir - Diabetes Specialist Dietitian Alison Rae - Diabetes Specialist Nurse

The background Format of the group Skills required Reasons for running group What hope to achieve in group Group discussion

Background Move towards education in groups - people seen quickly and promotes self care from start In the past - new patients seen on individual basis in clinics Numbers of patients newly diagnosed increasing each year Primary care pilot in Deeside - then rolled out across all community areas

Format Education groups designed to involve 3 health care professional - DSN, Dietitian and Podiatrist Each has 30 minute slot to impart BASIC knowledge in their subject Talks standardised across Grampian to promote continuity There is opportunity for questions at end

Key skills required by Health Care Professionals Knowledge of diabetes Team working Understanding of multidisciplinary roles Group facilitation/presentation skills Communication skills Motivational skills Responsive to group dynamics

What happens at the session Introduction Clear outline plan for the session - to clarify patient expectations Promotion of involvement of audience Create a relaxed atmosphere Allow time for questions at end..open or individual Leaflets available Plan for follow up

Diabetes Specialist Nurse ( An Overview of Diabetes) Definition & confirming the diagnosis The causes of diabetes The symptoms The treatment The complications What care to expect Who will deliver the care Sick day rules Other aspects of care

Diabetes Podiatrist Overview of importance of foot care Circulation Neuropathy Daily foot check Hygiene Foot wear Miscellaneous tips Annual screening

Diabetes Dietitian Importance and aims of diet How diet can help with al aspects of diabetes Key principles of healthy eating The balance of good health plate model Hidden sugars Food labelling Alcohol and diabetes Weight reduction

Summary and close At end of the session we summarise the importance of all aspects of diabetes and how they fit in together Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own diabetes Information leaflets distributed Questions answered Future care plan summarised

Education Group Evaluation Patient satisfaction questionnaires Lifestyle audit - looking at patients self care, dietary habits and foot care Knowledge Quiz - pre and post session All positive results - sessions adapted accordingly

How to refer.. City CHP - Referral on standard form to Fiona Davidson at Summerfield House Central Aberdeenshire - to Audrey Masson at Inverurie Hospital South Aberdeenshire CHP- referrals to either KCH or Banchory Health Centre North Aberdeenshire CHP- referrals to Banff, Peterhead or Fraserburgh

Possible groups in future DESMOND DAFNE INSULIN start groups Weight reduction Diabetes Refreshers and updates Supermarket tours Any ideas …. ?

What are your thoughts ?