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 three tethered pumps (Medtronic 780G, T-Slim X2 and mylife Ypsopump) and one patch pump (Omnipod). As well as considering whether you would like a patch or a tethered pump, it is worth comparing different pump features. For example, the amount of insulin the pump can hold. The pump cannula is changed every 3 days and so it important that there is enough insulin within the reservoir to last this time (NB the Ypsopump cartridge holds 160u but can be changed as often as required). A further consideration is whether or not a pump can be used with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to provide hybrid closed loop. This is now available on all the pumps that we offer.
Click on the links below to show further information on each pump available. These information documents are formatted in the same way, to allow you to easily compare between models.
Click on the links below to show further information on each pump available. These information documents are formatted in the same way, to allow you to easily compare between models.
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 the relevant online system to share data. There are a number of these type of systems available and you will be advised which system to register with in your invite letter, as this is dependent on which device that you will be using.
- 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 MSTeams. This is a group session, with approximately 4 to 6 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 complete the form below and submit 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 complete the form below and submit at the end of the session:
5. DOT.pump school day two
Day two of pump school will cover:
Depending on which device you have chosen, this session will either be an online group session or an in person individual appointment.
Here are some links to some videos that describes how to insert the cannula for each of the following devices:
- An overview of the pump and how it works
- How to fill a pump with insulin
- How to insert the pump cannula
Depending on which device you have chosen, this session will either be an online group session or an in person individual appointment.
Here are some links to some videos that describes how to insert the cannula for each of the following devices:
6. DOT.pump school day three
Day 3 of pump school will be a video call or an in person session, depending on staff and venue availability. 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. DOT.pump school day four
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. Depending on which system that you are starting with, there may be an additional session required. If so, this will be highlighted when you receive your invitation to pump school
The fourth and final day of DOT.pump school takes place approximately 3 weeks after starting. You will also receive an individual follow up Nearme appointment. This appointment is to help you review your pump data and make any adjustments to settings, in order get as much benefit as possible from your new device. We have developed a couple of toolkits to help with this, which contains information and screenshots using a structured approach. Further information on these toolkits (and a video describing how to use them) can be found at our insulin pump data interpretation page. Please take the time to watch the video and try out the relevant toolkit (if available) before your DOT.pump school day 4 appointment.
The fourth and final day of DOT.pump school takes place approximately 3 weeks after starting. You will also receive an individual follow up Nearme appointment. This appointment is to help you review your pump data and make any adjustments to settings, in order get as much benefit as possible from your new device. We have developed a couple of toolkits to help with this, which contains information and screenshots using a structured approach. Further information on these toolkits (and a video describing how to use them) can be found at our insulin pump data interpretation page. Please take the time to watch the video and try out the relevant toolkit (if available) before your DOT.pump school day 4 appointment.
