Endocrine Abstracts

KICk-OFF is a 5 days structured education course for 11–16 years old with type 1 diabetes. It has been developed with input from school teachers, children and families and follows constructivist learning theory. A pilot study resulted in some changes to the curriculum.

From 2008–2013 a cluster randomised controlled trial, funded by Diabetes UK, has been undertaken, involving 396 participants from 31 UK NHS diabetes centres. Centres were randomised to deliver KICk-OFF courses or continue usual care and support. Courses were taught by three educators (two KICk-OFF employed and one from local team), to groups of up to nine young people. All educators attended a 5-day teaching skills course in advance of delivering KICk-OFF courses.

Primary outcomes are HbA1c and quality of life. Secondary outcomes include diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemia, fear of hypoglycaemia and self efficacy. Health economic analysis and modelling of future costs to the NHS has been undertaken. Courses were observed by independent educationalists to assess the standard and consistency of teaching and achievement of key learning points.

Attendance at courses was very good and feedback from participants and parents was excellent. The educationalists felt that the standard of teaching was high and the curriculum was appropriate for this age group. The mathematics involved in carbohydrate counting proved challenging for many young people and the educators needed to develop particular skills in supporting them with this.

Results will be presented for the primary and some of the secondary outcomes.