1. Diabetes Patient Education
Claire Mearing
Diabetes Lead Dietitian for HCT

2. Patient Education DESMOND course for newly diagnosed type 2
Carb Awareness courses
Starting Insulin Together groups
DAFNE
LD group education
Bitesize education

3. DESMOND courses
National programme recommended by NICE, well evaluated with patient satisfaction high, encourages sustained lifestyle changes to improve control
Saturday courses now in all 4 localities due to NHSE project
Short waiting times
Local audit and support provided to engage
Patient information leaflet on new SPOC form
Patients need to know that they have Diabetes so they can attend and engage successfully
Distance learning for those unable to attend now being organised

4. Carb Awareness
3 hour course designed to take people on from initial education to more detailed information on carbohydrates and their influence on glycaemic control
For type 2s at any stage including those on all types of medication
Aim to reduce need for medication, reduce glycaemia and weight
Well evaluated and reduces HbA1c by average of 11mmols
Refer in directly with new SPOC form

5. Starting Insulin Together groups
New 2 session education by DSN and Dietitian to equip patients with full understanding of using insulin to control type 2 diabetes
Small groups run locally in Watford, now to roll out programme to all areas
Good patient satisfaction and able to include carers where beneficial
Greater self management and engagement especially during titration phase

6. DAFNE Group education for type 1s to empower patients to self manage
National programme and recommended by NICE, audited and evaluated nationally and locally
Long term support in DAFNE clinics
Less hypos requiring 3rd party assistance and improved HbA1cs
Refresher meetings and courses
We have been asked to be involved nationally in new trial to further improve course

7. Learning Disability group education
New course run in Watford area for all types of diabetes in those patients who have a LD
Small groups 6-10 patients attend a 4 week programme to learn more about their diabetes
Set up with HPFT nurses and Practice Nurse using GP venue
Involvement and education of carers to help support patient with on going food, cooking, activity and lifestyle choices.
Aim to improve engagement for their diabetes checks and understanding of how they can achieve better control

8. Bitesize education
For patients to have greater access to diabetes education in short hour long sessions in their immediate locality such as GP surgeries
To deliver short interactive small group sessions on food topics to support primary care
To encourage lifelong learning and small sustainable changes to lifestyle to improve diabetes control