Online training for Type 2 diabetes scoops prize
An online training module aimed at empowering people with Type 2 diabetes has won a top award.
The e-learning programme ‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ has won a British Medical Association (BMA) Patient Information Award 2014 in the ‘long-term conditions’ special category, at a ceremony held at the BMA House, London on September 22.
The annual awards recognise innovative ways of making information for patients easy to understand and accessible. The judging panel choose nine award winners in specific categories with ‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ winning the special category for ‘long-term conditions.’
‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ was developed by Diabetes UK and Bupa to help empower people with Type 2 diabetes to lead healthy lives. It teaches them how to manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition, such as blindness and amputation.
Launched in June 2013, it now has almost 17,500 registered users, including Tony Hatcher, 61 from Kent.
Tony said: “I found ‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ has really helped me understand what diabetes is doing to my body and the ways I can manage it. Every one of the seven modules is really important and has made me re-evaluate a few bad habits too. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone with Type 2 diabetes as the more you know about the condition, the more you can work with it. My diabetes is not going to rule my life any more than it needs to.”
Tracy Kelly, Head of Clinical Care at Diabetes UK, said: “We are delighted that this tool has been recognised and that it is making a difference in helping people with Type 2 diabetes feel more confident in managing their condition on a day-to-day basis.
“Currently only 12 per cent of people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are offered structured education courses by the NHS to help them self-manage their diabetes and this needs to dramatically improve.
Currently only 12 per cent of people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are offered structured education courses
“Yet we know that there are barriers that prevent many people who are offered education from taking it up or attending. The success of ‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ shows that people learn in different ways and need to be offered courses that fit in around work and family commitments.
“Our online course also acts as a taster to show people with Type 2 diabetes the real improvements that can be made to their health through a better understanding of their diabetes. This may help to persuade them that the time taken to attend local face-to-face structured education courses can be highly rewarding.”
Paula Franklin, UK Medical Director, Bupa, said: “This award recognises not only the positive impact this online tool has had on people’s lives but also the expertise that has gone into creating it. This has also been reflected in the positive feedback we have received from those who have used the programme.
“Over 80 per cent of a survey of 1000 users said they would recommend the programme to other people with Type 2 diabetes. We are delighted that ‘Type 2 Diabetes and Me’ is helping people with Type 2 diabetes learn how to live healthier lives.”
In addition, Diabetes UK and Bupa are encouraging healthcare professionals, from doctors to pharmacists, to use another free online e-learning course ‘Diabetes in Healthcare’. Also developed in partnership between the pair, the programme is aimed at healthcare professionals who are not diabetes specialists to help them better treat and support their patients with diabetes, identify new cases of the condition and reduce the risks of complications. It is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing.
The e-learning programmes can be accessed for free at www.type2diabetesandme.co.uk or www.diabetesinhealthcare.co.uk.
Picture copyright: John Egan at feispix