We’ve created a series of text message templates to help you better support the people you are caring for by connecting them with our diabetes information and guidance. This is available through the Accurx communications platform.
Who are the text messages for?
We’ve created three text messages for you to send to patients who are:
- newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
- considering remission of type 2 diabetes
- at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
All of these messages signpost to our website and helpline for evidence-based information and support.
Newly diagnosed text template
Template title: Diabetes UK - Newly Diagnosed T2DM
Message content: Learning you have type 2 diabetes can be worrying, and it’s hard to know where to begin. Diabetes UK are there to support you from the very start. They can help you better understand diabetes and what it means for you. Visit [link to our information on newly diagnosed] or call them on 0345 123 2399. If you have not spoken to a healthcare professional about your diagnosis, please make an appointment.
Size: 3 fragments
Send recommendations: The message is ideal for those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, sent directly after being informed at an appointment with their healthcare professional. For batch sending, we suggest sending 2-12 months after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, followed by quarterly sends to patients 2-4 months after diagnosis.
SNOMED code: Signposting to Diabetes UK (procedure) - SCTID: 1092721000000109
Remission text template
Template title: Diabetes UK - Remission T2DM
Message content: Have you heard people talking about ‘reversing’ type 2 diabetes? Diabetes UK has lots of information on how you might be able to return your blood sugar levels to a safe, non-diabetes level, without taking diabetes medications. Find out more at [link to our remission information] or call them on 0345 123 2399
Size: 2 fragments
Send recommendations: We know remission isn’t possible for everyone, but it’s important that people with type 2 diabetes know their options. We recommend sending the remission text on an individual basis to people under your care who you feel would benefit from learning more about remission of type 2 diabetes.
SNOMED code: Signposting to resource (procedure) - SCTID: 975171000000102
Type 2 diabetes prevention text template
Template title: Diabetes UK - Prevention T2DM
Message content: Finding out you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be worrying, but you’re not alone. Diabetes UK have lots of information and support to help you understand and reduce your risk of developing type 2. Find out more at [link to our prevention information] or call them on 0345 123 2399
Size: 2 fragments
Send recommendations: The message is for those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes to be sent directly after being informed of their high risk status at an appointment with their healthcare professional. For batch sending, we suggest sending 2-12 months after high risk is identified, followed by quarterly sends to patients 2-4 months after identification.
SNOMED code: Signposting to Diabetes UK (procedure) - SCTID: 1092721000000109
Why use these text messages?
The text messages are:
- easy to use – you can find the templates easily on Accurx by entering ‘Diabetes UK’ into the template search function
- up to date – any changes to the Accurx text template will happen automatically, so you don’t need to check if you’re sending the latest information
- flexible – you can send your message on an individual basis, for example after an appointment, or on a larger scale using Accurx’s batch messaging functionality
- SNOMED coded – making them easily searchable, helping you avoid message duplication and supporting you in delivering quality care.
We’re working with Accurx to help you better support people under your care by making it as easy as possible to link them with us. This will help to ensure people with or at risk of diabetes have all the support and information they need from day one.
How to use the templates
The templates can be easily found by entering the title of the template, or simply ‘Diabetes UK’, in the Accurx template search bar.
Templates can be sent on an individual basis or to appropriate patient cohorts – we've suggested timings and patient groups above.
These are recommendations only and are chosen to help ensure those who need it most receive the text at an optimal time. The text messages must not be sent before a person has been informed of their diagnosis or risk by a healthcare professional.
As with standard Accurx messaging service, the text templates can be timed and sent when best for the person you are caring for, helping you maintain the delicate balance of offering support while ensuring the person is not overwhelmed.
Get more information on how to search, find and use Accurx text templates on the Accurx website.