This is what NICE has to say
1.2 Patient education
1.2.1Offer structured education to adults with type 2 diabetes and/or their family members or carers (as appropriate) at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review. Explain to people and their carers that structured education is an integral part of diabetes care.
[2009]
1.2.2Ensure that any structured education programme for adults with type 2 diabetes includes the following components:
- It is evidence-based, and suits the needs of the person.
- It has specific aims and learning objectives, and supports the person and their family members and carers in developing attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and skills to self‑manage diabetes.
- It has a structured curriculum that is theory‑driven, evidence‑based and resource‑effective, has supporting materials, and is written down.
- It is delivered by trained educators who have an understanding of educational theory appropriate to the age and needs of the person, and who are trained and competent to deliver the principles and content of the programme.
- It is quality assured, and reviewed by trained, competent, independent assessors who measure it against criteria that ensure consistency.
- The outcomes are audited regularly. [2015]
1.2.3Ensure the patient-education programme provides the necessary resources to support the educators, and that educators are properly trained and given time to develop and maintain their skills.
[2009]
1.2.4Offer group education programmes as the preferred option. Provide an alternative of equal standard for a person unable or unwilling to participate in group education.
[2009]
1.2.5Ensure that the patient-education programmes available meet the cultural, linguistic, cognitive and literacy needs within the local area.
[2009]
1.2.6Ensure that all members of the diabetes healthcare team are familiar with the patient‑education programmes available locally, that these programmes are integrated with the rest of the care pathway, and that adults with type 2 diabetes and their family members or carers (as appropriate) have the opportunity to contribute to the design and provision of local programmes.
[2009]