P175
ESTABLISHING A DIABETES: KIDNEY CARE WORKING GROUP
K. Thomsett1, C. Head1, C. Judge1, L. Greenfield1, K. Wells1, J. Willey2, S. Pendleton3,
M. Lam4
1
Kent Kidney Care Centre and 2Inpatient diabetes team, East Kent Hospitals University NHS
Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), Canterbury, Kent, UK; 3Department of Podiatry, Kent
Community Health NHS Trust, Herne Bay, Kent, UK; 4Pharmacy, EKHUFT, Canterbury, Kent,
UK
Aims and objectives:
The purpose of the group is to ensure that people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
(CKD) stages 4 and 5, are identified and receive patient centred, timely, safe and effective care.
The objectives are:
 To identify areas of poor practice and develop solutions
 To reduce the incidence of untoward events through early detection and prompt
intervention – e.g. hypoglycaemia, foot ulceration
 To improve patient experience and quality of life
 To improve patient understanding of diabetes and enhance self care
 To facilitate the education of healthcare professionals so they better understand the
needs of this patient group
 To promote integrated care between primary and secondary health services
Methods:
Meetings are every two months at the main hospital site and are well attended.
A year after formation, the group includes a patient representative, diabetes specialist nurses
(DSN), renal nurses, dietitian, podiatrist, pharmacist, consultants and a practice nurse.
Results:
Projects have been nurse and allied health professional led and include the development of:
 Foot care tool for people on dialysis
 Protocol for blood glucose level management on haemodialysis
 Integrated care pathway and podiatry service to satellite units
 Competences for renal dietitians
 Education by podiatrist and DSN for renal nurses
 Information leaflet for those at risk of developing new onset diabetes after
transplantation (NODAT)
 Launch of Hypobox with appropriate guidance
Conclusion:
The group has raised awareness of the issues around CKD and diabetes for both healthcare
professionals and people with diabetes. Collaborative working within a positive environment
has improved clinical care and support for this vulnerable group. Lessons learnt will be applied
to other areas in both primary and secondary care.