Updated insulin safety e-learning module for hospital staff now available
Stock image of insulin pens.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) ITS Inpatient Diabetes Training team in partnership with our EDEN education team has updated the ITS insulin safety e-learning module for staff caring for adults with diabetes in hospital. The newly enhanced module, 'ITS Insulin Safety for Hospital Staff' (ITS2.0), provides vital education on the safe use of insulin and diabetes technology in a hospital setting.
What is ‘ITS Insulin Safety for Hospital Staff’?
The ITS Insulin Safety e-learning module is a well-established, free-to-use online resource that NHS Trusts can use as part of their Safe Use of Insulin Education strategy. To date, 14 NHS Trusts across the UK have implemented this module to support their staff in delivering safe and effective care to people with diabetes.
What is new in ITS2.0?
ITS2.0 builds on the success of the original module, incorporating interactive lessons to help healthcare professionals (HCPs) improve their understanding of insulin safety. A key development is the addition of an interactive case-based scenario diabetes technology lesson, which provides essential information on devices such as glucose sensors and insulin pumps, equipping hospital staff with the knowledge to support patients who rely on these technologies.
This module is designed for all hospital staff involved in dispensing, prescribing and/or administering insulin, helping them to enhance patient safety, prevent medication errors, and build confidence in managing diabetes in a hospital setting.
Why is this training essential?
Diabetes is on the rise both globally and in the UK. Currently, 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, with an estimated 1.3 million living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. As a result, the number of inpatients with diabetes is increasing, with one in six hospital beds occupied by a person with the condition. By 2030, this is projected to rise to one in four beds.
Many people with diabetes admitted to hospital are not under the direct care of diabetes specialists, making it crucial for all hospital staff to have a strong understanding of insulin safety and diabetes management. Errors in insulin prescribing and administration can have serious consequences, including increased risk of hypoglycaemia, infections, ITU admissions, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates.
ITS team expert insights
Dr Kath Higgins, Consultant in Diabetes Medicine and Honorary Associate Professor in Medical Education for the University of Leicester, highlights the importance of diabetes technology training:
Dr Kath Higgins.
“The rise in the use of diabetes technology in the type 1 diabetes community means that it is essential that healthcare professionals understand the different devices people use and knowledge of best practice inpatient guidance.
“I am particularly passionate about training for resident doctors as they are often on the front line in terms of managing diabetes in hospitals. With the majority of people with type 1 diabetes now using glucose sensors, insulin pumps, or both, easy access to high-quality education is vital in ensuring these patients receive the best possible care.”
Dr Sowmya Setty, Consultant Diabetologist and Clinical Lead for Inpatient Diabetes at UHL stresses the impact of insulin safety:
Dr Sowmya Setty.
“Up to 40% of inpatients with diabetes are on insulin therapy. Insulin prescription errors double the risk of hypoglycaemia, and insulin management errors can lead to poor outcomes, including increased length of stay and higher mortality risk. National programmes such as GIRFT Diabetes recommend training for every healthcare professional who dispenses, prescribes and/or administers insulin. The Diabetes Care Accreditation programme looks for evidence of training for colleagues across the organisation in the safe use of insulin.
“With recent advances in diabetes technology, an expanded focus on the safe use of insulin to address these advancements in diabetes care is crucial.
“I feel strongly about improving safety and providing quality care for people with diabetes, and I fully support ITS2.0, which enhances inpatient diabetes safety.”
How to access the updated module
NHS Trusts can access ‘ITS Insulin Safety for Hospital Staff’ free of charge.
To enquire about access or upgrade to the latest version, contact: ITSdiabetes@uhl-tr.nhs.uk