To complete the module, you must first register to use the site by clicking on the link along the top banner. Once you have completed the module, please download a copy of your certificate of completion (available via "My Profile" link on the top banner) and send to our email address: TAY.diabetesouttheretayside@nhs.scot.
DOT.pump school
DOT.pump school is for children, young people and their families who are starting to use a pump for the first time. The school runs 4 times a year, with approximately 4 children starting a pump each time. There is a waiting list to receive a pump, which unfortunately grew quite long during COVID-19 restrictions, when we were unable to run the school. If you are currently on the waiting list for a pump, then you will be contacted in advance of your DOT-Pump school date. This page describes what DOT.Pump school involves and contains a links and resources that are essential to complete the course.
1. Choosing whether or not to start a pump
Moving away from injections onto a pump is a big decision. We would like you to complete an online module that will help you decide if a pump is right for you. Please click on the link below to complete an online module available through the My Diabetes My Way site:
To complete the module, you must first register to use the site by clicking on the link along the top banner. Once you have completed the module, please download a copy of your certificate of completion (available via "My Profile" link on the top banner) and send to our email address: TAY.diabetesouttheretayside@nhs.scot.
To complete the module, you must first register to use the site by clicking on the link along the top banner. Once you have completed the module, please download a copy of your certificate of completion (available via "My Profile" link on the top banner) and send to our email address: TAY.diabetesouttheretayside@nhs.scot.
2. Choosing which pump is right for you
We currently offer two tethered pumps (Medtronic 780G and T-Slim X2) and one patch pump (Omnipod). Click on the links below to show further information on each. These information documents are formatted in the same way, to allow you to easily compare between models.As well as Omnipod being a patch pump, the other big difference is that it can hold less insulin in the reservoir (200u). The pump cannula must be changed every 3 days and so for people on higher doses of insulin, it may be that a tethered pump is a better option.
3. Pre-course activity
You will be notified when your DOT.pump school is taking place. Before attending the course, you will be asked to complete the following steps:
- Complete the My Insulin Pump module within My Diabetes My Way. This module will give you a basic knowledge of pump therapy and familiarise yourself with the common terms, safety issues and how to optimise pump therapy.
- Register with Tidepool and share your data with the DOT team. Tidepool is a free service that allows you to view your pump data and share it with your healthcare provider. Share your data with the DOT Team email address TAY.diabetesouttheretayside@nhs.scot - there is more information on how to do this here.
- Visit the training resources produced by the relevant pump manufacturer - we will provide links to these when we know what pump you are interested in.
4. DOT.pump school day one
Day one of pump school will be an online video call via the Nearme service. This is a group session, with a maximum of 4 families in attendance. This session will cover:
At the end of this session, we will ask you to provide information on your current insulin requirements. We use this information to programme your pump. Please click on the link below at the end of the session:
- Overview of how a pump works
- Safety issues
- Data sharing
- Expectations
- Question and answer session
At the end of this session, we will ask you to provide information on your current insulin requirements. We use this information to programme your pump. Please click on the link below at the end of the session:
5. DOT.pump school day 2
Day two of pump school will cover:
Here are some links to some videos that describes how to insert the cannula for each of the following devices:We will use saline (salty water) to practice filling the pump and inserting the cannula. We will then ask you to wear the pump (which contains saline solution) for a couple of days. During this time, you must continue to give insulin injections, just as you would normally.
- An overview of the pump and how it works
- How to fill a pump with insulin
- How to insert the pump cannula
Here are some links to some videos that describes how to insert the cannula for each of the following devices:We will use saline (salty water) to practice filling the pump and inserting the cannula. We will then ask you to wear the pump (which contains saline solution) for a couple of days. During this time, you must continue to give insulin injections, just as you would normally.
6. DOT.pump school day 3
Day 3 of pump school is another online session using the Nearme service. This is a group session (with the same families that you met during day 1) and will last 60 minutes. This session will include a representative from the manufacturer of your pump and will cover:
Finally, we will supervise you filling the pump with insulin and starting your pump for real!
- An overview of the various pump functions
- Practical demonstration of button pressing
- Troubleshooting
- Question and answer session
Finally, we will supervise you filling the pump with insulin and starting your pump for real!
7. Contact after DOT.pump school
In the days after starting your pump for the first time, there is usually a bit of adjustment required to the settings. The DOT team will support you in this with regular contact via email or phone.
Approximately 3 weeks after starting, you will also receive an individual follow up Nearme appointment. This appointment is to help you review the data that you will have uploaded to Tidepool, and make any adjustments to settings, in order get as much benefit as possible from your new device.
Approximately 3 weeks after starting, you will also receive an individual follow up Nearme appointment. This appointment is to help you review the data that you will have uploaded to Tidepool, and make any adjustments to settings, in order get as much benefit as possible from your new device.
