Winner

Overcoming Inequality in Access to Diabetes Technologies – Diabetes Intervention Worker Pilot

by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Executive Summary

Our Trust had significant inequality in access to diabetes technologies (insulin pumps and real time Continuous Glucose Monitors – rtCGM) according to socio-economic deprivation (using Index of Multiple Deprivation – IMD – quintile).

We piloted a ”diabetes intervention worker”, seconded from Family Intervention Service, to better understand and address barriers to technology.

Interventions were direct working with young people & families, provision of mobile phones / laptops / SIM cards where needed, and team focus on promoting technologies to all patient groups.

Results include: significant increase in pump and rtCGM use in IMD 1&2, resolution of inequality in tech use, and corresponding reduction in median HbA1c.

Judges’ comments:

“This project by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust was well planned and innovative. The drive and focus and how it was delivered really impressed the judges, and it described the diversity and equality element brilliantly. It demonstrated that you don’t have to be a diabetes specialist to support families and had impressive patient stories.”

Finalist

Carbohydrate Counted Recipe Book

by Guys and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital

Executive Summary

The dietitian’s working within the paediatric diabetes team were keen to support all families to be able to confidently manage their traditional cultural food. Both of these hospitals are based in central London with large diversity in their population. Often at diagnosis with diabetes families have requested support with carbohydrate counting traditional food. Therefore the dietitians were keen to produce a carbohydrate counted recipe book using recipes provided by local families. This book is provided to all families within the service and at diagnosis with diabetes going forward. The aim is to support families carbohydrate counting from all backgrounds.

Judges’ comments:

“The Carbohydrate Counted Recipe Book” is a cultural family cook book – a great idea! It was great to see the collaboration with families and it seemed to strengthen diabetes support within the family group. Very accessible and can be continually added to, which is a big plus.”