“KiDS and Diabetes in Schools” project: Experience with an international educational intervention among parents and school professionals

Abstract

The KiDS project is the first international tool directed to foster a safe and supportive environment and a better understanding of diabetes in schools. In this pilot evaluation, it achieved the goal of informing and changing the behavior of parents and school staff, thus improving the care provided to children with diabetes in schools.

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2018: Management and support of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in school

“…While in some countries it is accepted and expected that designated school personnel will provide support and assistance to young people with diabetes, in other countries such participation is prohibited . Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged that supporting a child with diabetes in school is key to maintaining good BG management and that school personnel knowledge about T1D and the special needs of young people with this condition is necessary to achieving this goal …”

“…Face‐to‐face education sessions delivered by the diabetes health care team or the use of web‐based “e‐learning” education tools and provision of printed reading materials, either used alone or in combination, are the usual approaches. Specific education interventions have been developed and have been shown to be effective . Some national diabetes societies have also developed specific educational material for schools …”

“…58 Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged that supporting a child with diabetes in school is key to maintaining good BG management and that school personnel knowledge about T1D and the special needs of young people with this condition is necessary to achieving this goal. 59 The following specific issues should be given consideration:…”

“…(a) who provides the information? 59 Some national diabetes societies have also developed specific educational material for schools. 21 Training.…”

Level of knowledge and evaluation of perceptions regarding pediatric diabetes among Greek teachers

“…The Kids and Diabetes in School Project (KiDS Project) by the International Diabetes Federation is the first international project directed to caregivers and school personnel with free online material available in fifteen languages, which provides information about T1DM and the special needs of young patients at schools. A pilot evaluation of this project in Brazil conducted by Bechara et al proved its success in improving parents' and teachers' knowledge, as well as in establishing a better and safer environment at school [23]. Apart from strengthening teachers' knowledge about diabetes and the needs of diabetic students, courses of in-service practical training in collaboration with the local diabetic units could offer a lot improving the school-lived experiences of diabetic students.…”