Winner

360 degree approach to carbohydrate counting education from diagnosis in paediatric diabetes

by Paediatric Diabetes Team, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust

Carbohydrate counting is an effective skill and tool used to optimise the management of blood glucose in Type 1 diabetes. The Paediatric Diabetes Team at Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust developed a 360 degree approach to education for health care professionals, carers, children and young people with the condition. Joint drop-in specialist nurse and diabetes dietitian clinics were set up weekly, dietitian home visits and school visits were initiated, and large group carbohydrate counting education workshops were implemented. After the initiatives, it was demonstrated that MDI regimen with carbohydrate counting education can be initiated at the point of diagnosis by competent ward staff. Surveys showed that patient/carer and staff knowledge and their confidence were significantly improved.

Judges comment:

“Judges thought this an innovative entry and liked the fact that annual training is provided across the wards. They also liked the practical estimation of foods in the programme as this is an excellent way of helping patients live a more normal life by stopping having to weigh food and be obsessive.”