New diabetes technology and HCL competency framework to launch

Aug 26

A new scoping document designed to help healthcare professionals assess their knowledge and skills in diabetes technologies and hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems will soon be launched.

Developed by the Leicester Diabetes Centre, the four-tier competency framework sets out clear criteria for the knowledge and skills expected of healthcare professionals, depending on their role and service requirements.

The framework aims to:

Support staff and services to identify training needs

Enable staff to target training to their individual and service requirements
Ensure healthcare professionals can demonstrate the clinical application of their learning
Promote equitable, efficient services across the healthcare system

The Leicester team has also developed its own pathway to help achieve and maintain these competencies. This pathway has been carefully designed to be transferable across services, ensuring equitable access regardless of location, while remaining sustainable, safe, and effective in line with national guidance and standards.

The scoping document has been reviewed by leading organisations across the UK and is now affiliated with Breakthrough T1D, Diabetes Technology Network, DSN Forum UK, Diabetes UK, the Royal College of Nursing, and Trend Diabetes.

LDC’s Professor Pratik Choudhary said:

“This scoping document sets out a clear, strategic approach to developing the knowledge and skills needed to make the best use of diabetes technology and hybrid closed-loop systems.
“By defining the core competencies at each level, we can ensure a consistent, coordinated approach across the healthcare system that supports innovation and improves outcomes.”

The document will be presented in September at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting by Professor Choudhary and Erica Richardson, Senior Nurse Lecturer and Lead Diabetes Research Nurse at the Leicester Diabetes Centre. It will be published shortly afterwards.

For more information, please contact: erica.richardson5@nhs.net