‘Pump school’ – a structured education programme to empower children and young people using insulin pump therapy

Abstract

Background: Caring for children and young people with diabetes is a complex process that must be firmly focused on the child or young person and their family and/or other carers, supported by the skills and experiences of a wide range of healthcare professionals. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly offered as a safe and effective alternative to multiple daily injections (MDI), yet its success depends on more than the technology itself. In partnership with families, the University College London Hospitals’ diabetes team has developed a pathway that uses a series of pre-defined competencies, together with an innovative psycho-educational programme (Pump school), to promote engagement, motivation and flexible self-management, and facilitate successful transition to CSII.

Method: Mixed methods were applied for the development of the programme and its evaluation in terms of treatment regimen, HbA_1c levels and rate of DKA between 2004–2008.

Conclusion:The programme is delivered in a clinic setting and has delivered promising improvements in self-management, psychological adjustment and long-term metabolic control. Its effectiveness is supported by significant improvements in clinical outcomes data, while acceptability to families is strongly supported by regular audit studies.

Keywords:

• Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII)
• structured education
• pump school
• competencies
• diabetes