Developing a diabetes self-management policy for hospitalised children and young people on insulin therapy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Children and young people with diabetes mellitus (DM) develop significant self-management expertise.
• Hospitalization often removes patient autonomy in managing DM, particularly insulin therapy.
• Insulin errors pose serious risks, highlighting the need for safe inpatient management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a diabetes self-management policy for pediatric inpatients on insulin therapy.
• To empower children, young people, and their families to self-manage diabetes during hospital admissions.
• To enhance patient safety and experience through continued self-management.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative development process by the paediatric diabetes team at Southampton Children's Hospital.
• Implementation of a robust decision-making tool for healthcare professionals.
• Establishing criteria for assessing competence and safety for self-management.

Main Results:

• A new policy was successfully implemented in 2022-2023.
• The policy provides a framework for safe and effective inpatient diabetes self-management.
• Facilitates communication and collaboration between families and healthcare staff.

Conclusions:

• Allowing children and families to self-manage diabetes and insulin in hospitals improves safety.
• The policy supports patient autonomy, potentially improving patient experience.
• Promotes safe and effective diabetes management within the hospital setting.