Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Currently there are no evaluated diabetes teaching packages for primary school age children which meet their learning needs, styles and are delivered by trained educators. Sheffield children’s Hospital produced and tested, as a randomized controlled trial (RCT), the KICk-OFF course for 11–16 year olds. This 5-day course based on carbohydrate counting and insulin dose adjustment showed significant improvement in HbA1c (9 mmol/mol, 0.8%) for those with poorest control.

Aims: Use the experience of KICk-OFF for a feasibility study to develop and pilot a junior curriculum and teaching materials before a future RCT.

Methods: Primary teachers and educationalists advised on curricula activities, timings and resources for key stages (KS) one (4–7 years) and two (7–11 years). A pilot course for each KS has been completed. Parents attended separate sessions. Familiar activities were used, i.e. puppets, models, card games, role-play, sorting activities, snakes and ladders. The curricula use the constructivist learning theory of building on knowledge.

Key outcomes:

• Produce curricula and resources for children age 4–11 years and their parents

• Observation by educationalists and videos to review sessions

• Qualitative assessments of learning via structured interviews

• Quantitative outcomes include HbA1c, number of blood tests pre and post course and their mean. Quality-of-Life measures for parents and children

• Knowledge assessment for KS2 children

Results: Comments from educationalist report include:

• Well designed and structured courses

• Activities and resources of high standard

• Highly skilled educators

• Children highly engaged, demonstrating new knowledge and skills

• Excellent work books (KS2) – attractive, clearly set out, age appropriate language

Analysis of qualitative and biometric outcomes is due November 2015

Discussion: Junior KICk-OFF courses were well received. Both children and parents were engaged in all the activities. Greater use of a combined approach to learning including more problem solving challenges could be explored further when the curricula are adapted prior to a RCT.