A pediatric diabetes toolbox for creating centres of reference

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Diabetes Education Research
• Public Health Initiatives

Background:

• International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines advocate for age-appropriate diabetes education, nutritional management, and psychosocial support for young patients and families.
• The current implementation status of these ISPAD recommendations across Europe remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the availability and structure of diabetes education tools and programs for children and their families in Europe.
• To identify gaps in the implementation of established diabetes care guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A structured survey was distributed to members of the European SWEET network.
• Information on existing national tools and programs was gathered through surveys and extensive literature/desk searches.
• Resources were categorized by age groups (five) and target audiences (five), including young people with diabetes, parents, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• Data from 11 SWEET countries in 2011 revealed that while information for parents and carers is widely available, only two countries have implemented structured, curriculum-led, and evaluated educational programs.
• One country's program was evaluated nationwide and accredited by its National Health Care System.
• Numerous creative educational materials (booklets, games, videos) exist but are often not part of a structured program.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need to harmonize and integrate existing educational materials into quality-assured, structured national diabetes education programs.
• The SWEET project aims to develop a comprehensive European diabetes educational toolbox, to be continuously updated on its website.