Trusts invited to join new pilot to improve community insulin management

GIRFT is inviting NHS Trusts to join a new national pilot designed to improve insulin management for people living with diabetes in the community, while also creating a more efficient service for the NHS.

The Community and District Nurse Insulin Programme (CADNIP) enables community and district nurses to work closely with community diabetes specialist nurse to optimise glycaemic control, improve patient safety and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

With diabetes now affecting more than one in four people aged over 65 – many with additional challenges such as frailty or cognitive impairment – demand for community nursing support continues to grow.

CADNIP was developed at Ipswich Hospital (ESNEFT) to help meet this increasing need by providing clear guidance on safe treatment and upskilling nurses in insulin management.

The programme includes virtual training, monthly case review meetings with community diabetes specialist nurses and development of personalised insulin plans tailored to frailty, cognition, life expectancy and hypoglycaemia risk. Additional education forums and on-demand virtual clinical support help to maintain good practice.

Results from the first 12 months at ESNEFT include:

·      Significant improvements in HbA1c outcomes

·      43% reduction in acute presentations

·      59% reduction in ED attendances

·      28% reduction in hospital admissions

·      Inpatient bed days cut by 53%

·      Weekly district nurse visits reduced from 201 to 138

·      Cost efficiencies of almost £2m per year

GIRFT will support participating Trusts throughout the pilot, including data collection and insight sharing.

Trusts interested in joining the programme can contact: paula.johnston6@nhs.net or sam.watson10@nhs.net