Ongoing Evaluation of the Documentation for Managing Type 1 Diabetes at School and Preschool — ASN Events
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Ongoing Evaluation of the Documentation for Managing Type 1 Diabetes at School and Preschool (#52)

Karen Crawford 1 , Andrew Boucher 2 , Emma White 3 , Susanne Baxandall 1
  1. Diabetes Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  3. Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, VIC, Australia

INTRODUCTION: As at April 2015, there were 2,965 young people of school age (3 -18 years old) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) living in Victoria¹. These children frequently need the support and assistance of adults (teachers) while at school to help manage their diabetes. Optimal management of diabetes will assist to maximize cognitive ability of children with diabetes².

 

Historically, a multiplicity of school diabetes management plans have been used across Victoria. These plans were constructed by different diabetes health professionals, parents, General Practitioners and even schools themselves, often with little or no reference to authorised guidelines or evidence based practice.

 

The variety of plans generated considerable confusion and uncertainty in the school context, not only for teachers who rely on these plans, but also for parents and health professionals.

 

AIM: To develop a consistent school management plan format and style to better inform and support teachers, students and families about diabetes care expectations at school.

 

METHOD: The suite of evidence-based school management and action plans were developed during 2014, using diabetes management principles outlined in APEG (2011)³, and ISPAD (2014)4 guidelines to underpin the care threshold and actions.

These plans have been in circulation and use since December 2014.

In April 2015 a review was undertaken to consider the effectiveness and appropriateness of the plans for ongoing use in schools and preschools.

 

EVALUATION: School staff, parents and diabetes health professionals have contributed feedback and suggestions for changes about the new plans. An amended version has been finalised for ongoing use across Victorian schools and preschools. The use of ‘home grown’ school plans is reducing.

 

CONCLUSION: A commitment to ongoing and systematic review continues, so that all schools and preschools in Victoria can use the same style plans as endorsed and directed by the Department of Education and Training, Catholic and Independent schools across Victoria.

  1. ¹National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) Register database, April 2015
  2. ²Northam, E & Lin, A. 2010. Hypoglycaemia in childhood onset type 1 diabetes – part villain, but not the only one. Pediatric Diabetes, 11:134-141
  3. ³Craig ME, Twigg SM, Donaghue KC, Cheung NW, Cameron FJ, Conn J, Jenkins AJ, Silink M for the Australian Type 1 Diabetes Guidelines Expert Advisory Group. 2011. National evidence-based clinical care guidelines for type 1 diabetes in children, adolescents and adults, Australian Government Department of Health an Ageing, Canberra.
  4. 4Acerini C, Craig ME, de Beaufort C, Maahs DM, & Hanas R (Eds). 2014. Pediatric Diabetes – Supplement: International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2014. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Chapters 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 & 14.