Information for Participants
The National Diabetes Closed Loop System Onboarding Programme has been set up to support NHS Scotland Boards to get access to this diabetes technology for suitable individuals living with type 1 diabetes.
What is a Diabetes Closed Loop?
A diabetes Closed Loop System is when an insulin pump and a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) use technology to “talk” to each other and adjust insulin dosage to help control glucose blood levels.
Who are the national onboarding team?
The National Onboarding team is made up of Senior National Diabetes Closed Loop System Educators (Diabetes Specialist Nurses), Assistant Practitioners, Peer Support Workers and Administration support.
What do we do?
We will provide support and training on how to use these technologies to individuals who have been referred by their Board. This will help build confidence in using the device and provide an opportunity to learn with other new users.
How will this be done?
The process for moving people with type 1 diabetes to a Closed Loop System is called onboarding.
The programme will be delivered using video calls on NHS Near Me or Microsoft Teams and will consist of online group sessions and 1-to-1 calls.
People who participate in the programme must have access to a computer, tablet or iPad with a working webcam, located in a non-public area, to safeguard their confidentiality.
Smart phones are not suitable due to their smaller screens, which may reduce the participant's ability to view essential information shared on screen during the group sessions.
You will learn from:
- Our dedicated team of Diabetes Nurses,
- Dieticians,
- Assistant Practitioners,
- Peer educators (people with type 1 diabetes already using Closed Loop Systems).
- Companies supplying the equipment that make up a Closed Loop System.
Your ongoing clinical care will continue to be provided by your local diabetes team whilst you are being trained on how to use these diabetes technologies.
How long does the Onboarding Programme last?
The onboarding programme usually lasts between 4-6 weeks.
The number and length of sessions will vary depending on the devices making up your Closed Loop System.
The support you receive will be tailored to give you time to learn everything you need to know and help you to use your equipment with confidence.
At the end of the programme we will notify your local diabetes team and they will arrange further review to ensure you get ongoing help and support.
Who may be suitable for the referral to the National Onboarding Programme?
Your local diabetes team will assess your suitability for Closed Loop Systems and will be responsible for referring you to the National Diabetes Closed Loop System Onboarding Programme.
They will consider one or more of the following factors:
- Suboptimal glycaemic control under your current diabetes care plan.
- High risk of severe hypoglycaemia and/or impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.
- Diabetes-related distress (measured using a validated tool).
- Benefits of peer support and group sessions.
- Faster access to Closed Loop Systems than local waiting time.
- Motivation to take part in a national initiative and provide feedback.
- Preference for remote sessions to minimise travel/work around other commitments.
How do we protect your personal data?
If you agree to being referred to the National Diabetes Closed Loop System Onboarding Programme for device training, this will mean that your personal information will be shared with the team at NHS Golden Jubilee.
NHS Golden Jubilee is a national Board for NHS Scotland. Although they are not the health Board who have been providing your care, please be assured that all of your personal information will be processed in a safe manner, in line with the data protection requirements across NHS Scotland.
You can find out more about how NHS Golden Jubilee will process your information by viewing the National Diabetes Closed Loop System Onboarding Programme Data Protection Notice.