Endocrine Abstracts

Objectives: The use of new diabetes technologies, such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) and hybrid closed-loop systems (HCL), is rapidly increasing among people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). As these technologies are becoming an integral part of T1DM management, we expect an increase in the number of patients who present in the Accident and Emergency department (A&E) using them. The aim of this study was to assess and compare A&E doctors’ and Advanced Nurse Practitioners’ (ANPs) knowledge, skills, perceptions and behaviors around new diabetes technologies in a tertiary and in a district general hospital (DGH) A&E department.

Methods: This was a mixed methods study. Quantitative data were collected using a 5 point Likert scale validated survey. Qualitative data were collected through semi structured interviews with a focus group of 16 doctors.

Results: In the quantitative arm of the study, 56 participants reported limited understanding of insulin pumps and CGMs and low confidence when managing patients on these devices. Understanding of diabetes devices was perceived as very important by A&E staff, but the education around them has been limited. No significant differences were noted in responses between tertiary and DGH participants. (Table 1) In the qualitative part of the study, low confidence was reported by 94% of doctors when managing patients on diabetes technologies. Fear and anxiety were also common feelings. All doctors agreed that more training on the new diabetes technologies would be very important to improve their confidence and patient experience.

Conclusions: Formal education of A&E staff around new diabetes technologies appeared essential and could improve the quality of care provided to patients with T1DM presenting to A&E.