Piloting and refining DAFNEplus
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to pilot and refine the DAFNEplus (Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) programme for adults with type 1 diabetes
IRAS ID
214683
Contact name
Elizabeth Coates
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
DAFNE stands for Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating. It is a 5-day training course for adults with type 1 diabetes, delivered in small groups. DAFNE has been delivered to over 30,000 adults in the UK. Our recent research confirmed that after attending a DAFNE course, people have better quality of life, better glucose levels (in the short-term) and are admitted to hospital less often for diabetes emergencies. Although participants find DAFNE training useful, some find it tough to keep up the skills needed to maintain glucose levels to prevent diabetic complications. After the course, people also find it hard to get support from health professionals. They have asked us to improve the course to help others develop and keep their skills over the long term.
This current study is part of a larger programme of research called DAFNEplus. The aim of DAFNEplus is to develop and convert DAFNE into a lifelong package to help people better manage their blood glucose levels in the longer term, as high levels can cause dangerous complications. We are doing this by revising the course, putting together structured follow-up with health professionals after the course, and using technology to help people maintain the skills they need to manage their type 1 diabetes effectively.
The aim of this current study is to pilot and refine the prototype DAFNEplus programme (updated DAFNE course with structured follow up and support from technology) in three centres. The data that we collect in this study will be used to improve the design of DAFNEplus, and to inform the decision by the research funder whether it is feasible for the study team to evaluate DAFNEplus in a large scale trial in 14 centres starting in 2018.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
16/WS/0230
Date of REC Opinion
2 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion