P207 School based training and education program with psychological and peer support (STEPPS) initiative for children and young people living with type 1 diabetes
Published Date: 25th April 2023
Publication Authors: Day H, Quinn M, McCaffrey L, Kyprios H, Hubbard R, Finnigan L, Pintus D, Bray D, Ng SM
Aims/Objectives: The delivery of structured diabetes education can be challenging in children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes. The STEPPS program was initiated to enable a positive learning environment for diabetes education based in school.
Methods: Single centre using mixed methods analysis of quantitative and semi structured qualitative analysis, were used to view the effectiveness of delivering structured education, psychological and peer support in schools. STEPPS uses ‘The Goals of Diabetes’ validated structured education program as the foundation for planning. The learning was split into sections and lesson plans were created and led by a specialist nurse, educator, dietitian, and psychologist. Each lesson plan incorporated a psychological solution-based approach. The qualitive arm was undertaken by the psychologist.
Results: There were 40 young people aged 11–16 on the program. The findings showed 75% of the CYP although they highlighted knowledge around their diabetes, 50% of them still found it difficult to seek help and were unable to feel confident to ask for help in school. 37.5% found it difficult to also talk to friends. Following completion of the program 100% identified increased knowledge of their diabetes, evidence showed that there was an improvement of CYP feeling like their teachers understood their diabetes and they were more confident to seek support in school. Findings also showed they had increased confidence to talk to peers.
Conclusions: The STEPPS program provided an alternative learning environment for diabetes education, creating a platform where they could share and relate their experiences with peers and promote living well with diabetes.
Day, H.; Quinn, M.; McCaffrey, L.; Kyprios, H.; Hubbard, R.; Finnigan, L.; Pintus, D.; Bray, D.; Ng, SM. (2023). School based training and education program with psychological and peer support (STEPPS) initiative for children and young people living with type 1 diabetes. Diabetic Medicine. 40(Suppl. 1), pp.120-121. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.15048 [Accessed 28 February 2024].
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