Endocrine Abstracts

Aim and Objectives: As a Diabetes MDT, we believe the characteristics of a functional team include shared goals, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, open and effective communication, mutual respect and trust, collaborative problem-solving, flexibility, shared accountability, a focus on outcomes, and, very importantly, a joy in work. Here we outline approaches designed to foster these characteristics within our MDT and in our relationships with families, as a means of improving HbA1c outcomes.

Method: To achieve these objectives, we cultivated a culture of collaboration, within the MDT and with families, through social events and strengthened interpersonal relationships.

Social initiatives included:

• Regular Pizza Parties

• An after-school scriptwriting course run by Read for Good

• A targeted HbA1c intervention for teenagers

• Promotion of the YES Programme

• Funded attendance to a family diabetes camp

Internally, we focused on being warm and approachable, with each other and with families, demonstrating empathy, building alliances, and advocating for children and families in matters of social care and education. We actively uphold the principles of the Language Matters initiative, striving to remain friendly, accessible and person-centred.

We also prioritised:

• Acting on feedback from newly diagnosed young people at discharge

• Delivering weekly best practice training to non-specialist nursing staff

• Holding regular MDT lunches to strengthen internal cohesion

• Respecting the wishes and preferences of families, regardless of presentation

• Comprehensive MDT education

Results: Despite serving a population with one of the highest deprivation indices, NPDA data shows our setting achieves some of the lowest HbA1c outcomes nationally. Families appreciated opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges, sharing experiences and strategies for diabetes management. The informal nature of our sessions helped normalise diabetes discussions and provided a space for incidental clinical advice from diabetes consultants, dietitians, psychologists, and specialist nurses in a non-clinical setting.

Conclusion: Strengthening therapeutic relationships is essential to effective diabetes care in children and young people. Our initiatives created a supportive network that not only contributed to improved HbA1c outcomes but also enhanced the overall experience of diabetes management for families and the MDT. Trust, empathy, and open communication proved vital in fostering a collaborative, family-centred approach to care.