Oxfordshire Childrens Diabetes - The Primary Schools Intervention Programme

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• School Health Programs
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Poorly controlled diabetes negatively impacts children's education due to blood glucose fluctuations.
• Intensive insulin regimens (multiple daily injections or pumps) require constant monitoring and adjustment.
• Supporting children on intensive insulin therapy during school hours is crucial for their well-being and academic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the experience of establishing a sustainable support system in primary schools for children with diabetes on intensive insulin regimens.
• To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of using trained volunteers for individualized diabetes care in schools.
• To ensure legal obligations are met and provide indemnity for school staff involved in diabetes care.

Main Methods:

• Development of an 'Individualised Care Plan (ICP)' involving parents, volunteers, and a Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse (PDSN).
• Training of 342 volunteers to provide daily care, including blood glucose monitoring and carbohydrate counting.
• Negotiation with Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Local Education Authority (LEA) to establish protocols and secure funding.

Main Results:

• Improved diabetes control in children aged 4-11 years, with HbA1c levels decreasing from 8.38% (2001-4) to 7.58% (2009-12) (p<0.001).
• Successful training of 342 volunteers providing care for 132 children by July 2012.
• Establishment of a risk assessment process allowing LEA to provide indemnity to trained school staff for diabetes care procedures.

Conclusions:

• The Oxfordshire Schools Intervention Programme provides a safe and effective model for supporting children with diabetes on intensive insulin regimens in schools.
• Trained volunteers, operating under agreed protocols and individualized care plans, can successfully manage diabetes in the school setting.
• This program enhances children's ability to receive intensive diabetes management, supporting their education and reassuring parents of their safety.