Endocrine Abstracts

Clinical guidelines and competency frameworks recommend that registered dietitians (RDs) knowledge and skills are utilised to support people with diabetes in effective technology use to improve outcomes. In 2024, a Managed Medicine Programme (MMP) preferred glucose sensor ordering process was introduced, which currently excludes RDs. The Diabetes National Clinical Programme Interim Dietetic Lead surveyed the mailing list of the Acute Diabetes Dietitians group in December 2024 to ascertain current practice in relation to diabetes technology. Data were gathered and analysed using SmartSurvey and Microsoft Excel. There was a response rate of 74%. All respondents (n28) reported involvement with diabetes technology pathways. They most frequently identified candidates, prepared for onboarding (70.4%) and educated on interpreting data (66.7%), and least frequently ordered devices (18.5%). Over 75% ‘highly’ rated their macronutrient estimation, insulin management, communication, and technology-specific clinical knowledge skills. All respondents had undertaken technology training to support their role and 88% used best-practice guidelines. Since the introduction of the MMP process, 76% and 84% respectively, had changed their practice to recommend preferred options on initiation or switching. The majority (76%) identified work duplication or delayed access to treatment as a result of not ordering devices directly. RDs working in acute diabetes care in Ireland are advancing and evolving their practice to use their knowledge, skills and training in diabetes technology as part of care delivery. RDs role in optimising cost-effective device use, would be enhanced by equality of ordering access, in line with their acute multidisciplinary team colleagues.