“The Six Steps to Insulin Safety”, a free e-learning module from the PCDS

Insulin is recognised as a high-risk medication worldwide. There are now over 30 different insulin preparations and many of these have differing actions but similar sounding names. Staff who handle, prescribe or administer insulin need to receive regular training and demonstrate competence.

The Six Steps to Insulin Safety has been developed by the Primary Care Diabetes Society and is a perpetually free Continuing Professional Development module for all healthcare professionals who handle, prescribe or administer insulin. Its focus is on insulin use within the primary care setting.

The module aims to:

●  Increase awareness and understanding of the pitfalls, dangers and risks associated with insulin.

●  Enhance knowledge and understanding of the different types of insulin and how they work, the range of delivery devices available and best-practice injection technique.

●  Give an understanding of the circumstances where there is a risk of insulin-related medication errors and how strategies to avoid patient harm caused by insulin can be implemented.

The Six Steps to Insulin Safety can be accessed for free at: https://diabetesonthenet.com/cpd-modules/the-six-steps-to-insulin-safety/