DAFNE launches free online courses for non-DAFNE diabetes healthcare professionals

The DAFNE (Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) programme is excited to announce two new free online learning opportunities designed specifically for diabetes healthcare professionals who are not part of a DAFNE service.

DAFNE is a structured education programme designed to help people with type 1 diabetes effectively manage their condition through dose adjustment for normal eating. DAFNE courses have been instrumental in empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for optimal diabetes self-management. 

These educational resources aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare providers across the UK, contributing to better care for individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Liesl Richardson, a national DAFNE trainer and former colleague of Esther’s in Norwich, is leading the initiative to share these resources with the DISN UK Group.

Closed Loop Essentials Online Course 

The Closed Loop Essentials course is now available for people with type 1 diabetes who are considering using a hybrid closed loop (HCL) system for diabetes management. Developed in collaboration with DTN-UK and hosted on the Open University’s ‘OpenLearnCreate’ platform, this course offers a flexible, self-paced learning experience that participants can complete from the comfort of their own homes.

Key features of the Closed Loop Essentials course include:

Self-paced Learning: Participants can learn at their own speed without group meetings.

Individualised Support: After completing the course, participants will receive tailored education from their diabetes healthcare team based on their specific needs. 

Accessibility: Available to all individuals with type 1 diabetes, regardless of whether they have attended a DAFNE course or receive care in a DAFNE centre.

This course is ideal for people exploring HCL technology, providing essential safety information and guiding them in identifying additional needs that their healthcare team can address on a personalised basis. Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to access this course to familiarise themselves with the content and retain ongoing access to the learning material.

Insulin Dose Adjustment and Carbohydrate Counting for Non-DAFNE HCPs

In addition to the Closed Loop Essentials course, DAFNE is offering specialised training for healthcare professionals through the Insulin Dose Adjustment and Carbohydrate Counting Course. This training combines online modules with a group workshop conducted via Microsoft Teams, facilitated by a national DAFNE trainer.

This course includes:

Online Modules: Two comprehensive modules covering the basics of insulin dose adjustment and carbohydrate counting.

Interactive Workshops: Group sessions to reinforce learning and provide practical guidance.

Professional Development: Approved by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) for CPD, enhancing professional credentials. 

This course is designed to equip diabetes specialist nurses and dietitians from non-DAFNE services with the fundamental principles of DAFNE, enabling them to support the self-management of type 1 diabetes more effectively. 

How to access these courses

Interested healthcare professionals can access these courses through the Open University’s ‘OpenLearnCreate’ platform. For more information and to register, please visit the DAFNE website or contact DAFNE at dafne@nhct.nhs.uk 

DAFNE encourages all non-DAFNE healthcare providers to take advantage of these valuable educational tools to better serve individuals with type 1 diabetes and support their journey towards effective diabetes management.

For further details and to explore the courses, visit the DAFNE website connect via the DISN UK Group’s communication channels or email dafne@nhct.nhs.uk