Improving review of housebound people with diabetes through competency-based training

People with diabetes who are housebound often fall between services and, therefore, do not always receive all of their key care processes, including insulin delivery. As part of a review of all such patients within a clinical commissioning group (CCG) in Kent, this project was conducted to train unregistered practitioners to carry out annual review. The aim was to improve knowledge and competencies among unregistered practitioners in order for them to be able to carry out some components of the diabetes annual review. Six unregistered practitioners employed by the GP practice or the community health trust participated in the project. Each practitioner achieved nine competencies, based on the TREND-UK competency framework. Competencies were achieved through classroom-based learning delivered by a nurse consultant in diabetes, as well as practical supervision of tasks and skills associated with carrying out an annual review. Reflective work and discussion demonstrated not only new skills learned but also how to put these into practice. It is hoped that the training of unregistered practitioners as part of the overall project not only improved their understanding and knowledge but also improved the standard of care delivered to this vulnerable group of people with diabetes.