Age should hold no boundaries for young people

Published Date: 21st February 2017

Publication Authors: Thornton H, Seagrave V

Abstract

Diabetes can be diagnosed at any age in childhood. Children and young people (CYP) must be empowered to develop knowledge and self-caring skills with the aim of independence by the time they transfer to young adult services. The percentage of CYP achieving excellent diabetes control has increased from 15.8% in 2012/13 to 18.4% in 2013/14 (NPDA 2015) but still lags behind other nations, and intensified treatment regimen is only one element of care.

Goals of Diabetes Education is a structured education program that was developed in 1996 in Denmark and originally published in the UK in 2012 to fulfil the requirements of the Paediatric Diabetes Best Practice Tariff. The recent update of NICE guidance 18:- Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in children and young people: diagnosis and management (NICE 2015) has given the opportunity to update and enhance the original educational framework.

Goals of Diabetes Education is aimed at CYP between 6- and 18-years old with Type 1 diabetes, and is based on social learning theory, which provides the foundation for behaviour modelling. It asserts that most behaviours are learned by observation and modelling. The resource provides a Healthcare Professional guide, handouts both for parents and young people, and record sheets to track progress and setting of individualised goals of learning. Parents and carers are provided with clear guidance on what their role is in supervising care and age-appropriate expectations outlined. The update has been produced by a team of healthcare professionals (HCPs) with financial support from Novo Nordisk. The aim is that all CYP should receive consistent education wherever they live. It will be published in the spring of 2016 and distributed to every Paediatric Diabetes clinic in the UK. Goals of Diabetes Education is endorsed by the National Children and Young People’s Diabetes Network, which is committed to the education of children with diabetes and the HCPs who treat them.

Thornton, H; Campbell, F; Hanson, F; Seagrave, V. (2016). G185(P)  Age should hold no boundaries for young people to learn diabetes management skills . Archives of Disease in Childhood. 101 (Suppl 1), A97

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