Supporting a new culture of innovative collaboration for diabetes services redesign through a bespoke professional education programme for primary care practitioners

Aim: Professional education is one of the key requirements of a new diabetes service. To facilitate this, a bespoke university work-based learning programme was developed following a primary care training needs analysis. Methods: Four teaching modules - injectable therapy initiation, injectable therapy management, foot screening and caring for people with Type 2 diabetes - were developed by the University of Huddersfield in collaboration with local specialist diabetes teams. The University hosts the training and provides the infrastructure. A work-based learning approach to facilitate education in practice is supported by mentors from specialist services. Assessment of competence is measured against a validated tool and clinical management plans. Results: Nine practitioners attended the initial 'Assessing for and Initiating Injectable TherapiesModule' - six have completed. Nineteen practitioners attended the first'ManagingType 2 Diabetes Programme' and 22 practitioners have attended a 'Managing Injectable Therapies Module' - nine have completed. Ninety practitioners applied for the foot care programme. Thirty-eight practitioners attended two courses and are undergoing podiatry mentorship assessment. Conclusions: Collaborative working to develop bespoke courses ensures a consistent approach which is sensitive to local needs and supports local pathways. Student evaluations of the training programme are positive, particularly mentorship by specialist staff in practice which has fostered a climate of closer collaborative working. Joint working with pharmaceutical partners has assisted in course promotion and post course support. The University has strengthened links with local diabetes services in primary and secondary care, enhancing the opportunity for further collaborative education and research.