Update for DUAG on DAFNE NIHR Research programme

Brief Summary of DUAG representation on DAFNE Research Programmes - November 2010
Dear DUAG member,
At the inaugural meeting of DUAG in 2009 we introduced the current research themes for which we hoped you would be able to provide User input. We were delighted that members volunteered to be involved in the Research Steering Group and also the first 2 active research projects. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, some members have needed to step down and we thank them for their interest and their time spent. We welcome all new members who have joined the groups.

• 1. Database study – Designed to provide information on the change in HbA1c and other measurements together with the impact of diabetes and DAFNE on quality of life and other psychological measures. These always been an important component in the DAFNE programme but are collected in more detail than in a standard course. This data collection where graduates consent for their (anonymised) data to be utilised in research projects to benefit DAFNE, will be an important research resource.
  
• 2. 5 x1 day study – The delivery of DAFNE over a continuous 5 day period has been shown to be beneficial on both quality of life and other measures such as blood glucose control and hypoglycaemia. Now, in response to requests both from users and educators for a more flexible course, the standard 1 week DAFNE course has been developed to be delivered one day per week over 5 weeks. The study is designed to test if this modified delivery is a good as standard DAFNE, with a view for this to be rolled out nationwide as an alternative, improving flexibility and patient choice and which might enable more people to attend DAFNE training.
  


• 3. Psychosocial study - We have recently asked for DUAG membership to become involved in the interpretation of the results from the Psychosocial study, for which data has been collected over the last 2 years. Some of you may have seen the presentations by the Psychosocial group at the DAFNE Collaborative meeting this summer. The study is aimed at providing pointers not only what is good about DAFNE but also were improvements could be made. The analysis of the data has been underway and we will be discussing the results at a meeting to be held in December to be attended by DUAG members. We have ensured the involvement of 2 members of DUAG who have experience of DAFNE research groups and welcome involvement of those members who have kindly volunteered to help with this study.
  
• 4. Patient Involvement study - On the strength of your involvement, a research study into user involvement in DAFNE research has begun, led by Wendy Baird, who provided training for those involved in the research groups, and Jonathan Boote from the University of Sheffield. Their aim is to examine how effectively DAFNE user involvement benefits ongoing and developing DAFNE research. Jonathan will be attending meetings of the research groups and asking all group members, most importantly DUAG members, to be part of the study.
  


• 5. Repeaters study – NEW!!! Most excitingly, we are now actively looking for DUAG members to be involved in the development of the Repeaters intervention. It may come as a surprise but not all DAFNE graduates benefit from the Programme as you may wish or expect. Both DAFNE educators and graduates have been asking about the provision of repeater/refresher courses. Some centres provide some form of refresher sessions but there is no consensus on the type of delivery which is needed and no evidence of effectiveness.