Emotional wellbeing training now available for primary care workers

Healthcare professionals working in primary care can now access emotional wellbeing training to better support the psychological needs of individuals living with diabetes.

Diabetes UK launched the scheme during World Wellbeing Week to equip primary care workers with the right tools and resources to discuss emotional wellbeing with patients.

The free-to-attend virtual RCN-accredited Continuing Professional Development (CDP) training course will help individuals working in diabetes care navigate the emotional challenges people with the condition experience.

Previous research led by Diabetes UK has found that seven in ten people living with diabetes feel overpowered by the strains put on them and nearly 70% of individuals feel low due to the constant management of their condition.

Additionally, three quarters of people living with diabetes can’t always access the professional care they need.

The training module will provide insight from specialists in diabetes care, explore real-life dilemmas for people with the condition and offer support to healthcare professionals. Attendees will also be signposted to useful services.

Nikki Milne, a Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse, who was involved in the development of the training, said: “Now more than ever, we as healthcare professionals need to be confident to engage with those in our care about the emotional and psychological issues that go hand in hand with diabetes.

“This module will help those in primary healthcare understand how best to help people with diabetes deal with the emotional toll of living with the condition and help them access the additional services and help they may need to live well with diabetes.”

Senior Clinical Advisor at Diabetes UK Karen Davies said: “Managing diabetes can be demanding and providing emotional support to help people with diabetes navigate the ups and downs is just as important as helping them manage their physical needs, in helping people live well with the condition. Diabetes is relentless, and we know that the pandemic has made living with diabetes even harder.”

She added: “Not only does this new training course offer advice on how to provide emotional support to people living with diabetes, it also offers tips on how healthcare professionals can look after their own wellbeing, after the toughest of years.

“We know that a simple conversation can make all the difference, and we hope this module will boost healthcare professionals’ confidence in leading open discussions with people with diabetes about how they really are.”

To attend the course, click here.

Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels