NHS e-learning injects safety into insulin administration

26 Jul 2010

by: Margaret Snell

Healthcare professionals, who are required to administer insulin to patients with diabetes, can now access a free online training course on the safer use of insulin.

The ‘Safe Use of Insulin’ course includes training on the right way and the right time to administer insulin, the right type of insulin to use and the correct doses to give.

It was developed by the national Healthcare e-Academy, in collaboration with NHS Diabetes. The launch of the course comes after the NHS National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) published the “Rapid Response Report” following a number of safety incidents related to the use of insulin.

The report called on organisations in the NHS and independent sector to put in place training programmes for all healthcare workers, including medical staff, who are expected to prescribe, prepare and administer insulin. The deadline for implementation is December 2010.

Anna Morton, director of NHS diabetes, said: "Diabetes is a growing problem and it is really important that all health professionals who care for people with diabetes are aware of how to use insulin safely. We are delighted to be able to offer this online training course for health professionals."

The e-learning programme can be accessed at www.nhsdiabetes.healthcareea.co.uk or at www.diabetes.nhs.uk/safe_use_of_insulin.

 

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