NHS England has today launched a new service specification on diabetes transition, to improve the service for young people who are transferring from child to adult services or from one service to another geographically.
Evidence shows the longer between appointments the higher the chance of a young person developing psychosocial issues such as anxiety and depression and increased HbA1c. Diabetes is also linked to higher rates of eating disorders.
NHS England has today launched a new service specification on diabetes transition, to improve the service for young people who are transferring from child to adult services or from one service to another geographically.
Evidence shows the longer between appointments the higher the chance of a young person developing psychosocial issues such as anxiety and depression and increased HbA1c. Diabetes is also linked to higher rates of eating disorders.
The Diabetes Transition Service Specification is designed to inform commissioners’ development of a clear specification based on local context.
Each service specification should include three key stages of transition the guidance says: paediatric preparation, planned transfers and supported integration into adult and new care settings.
The NHS outcomes framework measures as well as locally defined outcomes and measures should also form part of the local plans.
Some examples of measures that could be used include:
· Providing transition and young adult services that use technologies such as social media, email, texts, apps and Skype to reduce disengagement and promote uptake of services.
· Provision of a joint agreed care plan before transfer to the next service.
· Agreed goals for the individual.
· Number of visits young person has attended in adult care monitored.
· DNA rates at clinics monitored.
· Preventing complications.
· Measurement of HbA1c levels every three to six months in CYP.
· Reduced unplanned hospital admissions between ages 13 and 25 monitored.
· Young people offered screening for a variety of conditions.
· Monitor nine key care processes including weight over time to monitor indications of an eating disorder.
· Provide a range of educational modules to help with understanding.
