P-208: Improving access to paediatric diabetes care for families living in deprivation: a structured roll-out of poverty proofing® training to over 1,000 healthcare professionals in England and Wales
J Foster, B Hetherington, J Pike, E BrownriggAbstract
Introduction
Children and young people (CYP) in socioeconomically deprived areas face significant barriers to accessing paediatric diabetes services. The National Paediatric Diabetes Audit (NPDA) 2024/2025 data show that 24.3% of the 35,801 CYP receiving care across 172 paediatric diabetes units in England, Wales and Jersey live in the most deprived IMD deciles. Persistent inequities in access and outcomes remain; addressing these barriers is essential to improving health outcomes for CYP with diabetes.
Objectives
To equip healthcare professionals working within paediatric diabetes units (PDUs) across England and Wales with the principles and practical application of Poverty Proofing®, enabling them to identify and reduce access barriers experienced by families living in deprived communities.
Methods
Building on a successful regional implementation, the CYP National Diabetes Network infrastructure was utilised to support a national roll-out. The Children North East training team delivered a structured programme of in-person and online sessions across 11 network regions, ensuring consistent and equitable access to training.
Results
Over a 15-month period (Jan ‘25–Mar ‘26), 19 in person and 5 online sessions were delivered to 925 paediatric diabetes specialist healthcare professionals with 95% of participants reporting enhanced understanding of poverty and its impact on care. Evaluation data indicated that since the training 57 individuals all from separate PDUs reported detailed changes in clinical practice following training and quality improvement initiatives focused on improving access.
Conclusions
Poverty Proofing® is a nationally recognised tool developed to address deprivation related barriers in across all health services. The national training programme demonstrated meaningful changes in practice and catalysed targeted quality improvement activity. A coordinated, structured delivery model ensured comprehensive reach and accessibility, supporting systemwide efforts to reduce inequities in care.