WINNER

Improving Mental Health in People with Recurrent Diabetic Ketoacidosis

by Bart’s Health & East London Foundation Trust

There is an established link between mental health (MH) struggles and recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in people with T1D. In addition, this group is more likely to have further DKA episodes, struggle long-term with diabetes self-management and those with 4+ DKA are more likely to have died by five-year follow-up. Since April 2019 Bart’s Health and East London Foundation Trust have run a MH treatment pathway for recurrent DKA. There is weekly screening for new admissions and those with 4+ are offered MH case management. Since launch, there has been a 20% fall in admissions from people with 4+ DKA and a 50% reduction in bed days.

Judges’ comments:

“The Bart’s Health & East London Foundation Trust adjusted well to virtual consultation during the pandemic. They identified prior mental health issues and put together a strong proposal for psychological intervention for those with DKAs. It had strong feedback and is clearly a very valuable project.”