Training DAFNEplus facilitators in novel behaviour change approaches: a template for training design and delivery

Background

The integration of behaviour change principles into diabetes structured education programmes is key to sustaining long-term improvements in glycaemic management. Good quality training for diabetes educators that enables them to understand and feel confident in behaviour change approaches, is fundamental to their delivery. Educator training programmes are rarely described in detail despite this information being needed to enable interpretation of trial/outcome data, fidelity analyses and replicability between centres.

Aims

This paper presents an overview of a bespoke training programme developed for educators who delivered the DAFNEplus programme. DAFNEplus is a revised version of the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating Programme (DAFNE) for people with type 1 diabetes. The revisions incorporate novel technology, behaviour change approaches and structured individualised follow-up.

Materials and Methods

This paper outlines the structure of the training provided to educators, a summary of its development and examples of training content and process.

Results

We provide a template for future training courses, where psychological approaches are integrated into standard diabetes education and delivered by healthcare professionals.

Discussion

The impact upon educators' perceptions and delivery of structured education, as well as the potential for ongoing training development, is also discussed.