An introduction to systems thinking and practical methods to address complex challenges
Are you eager to make services truly person-centred, equitable and adaptable to innovation?
Do you want to drive positive change but don't know where to start?
Have you ever wondered why some 'improvements' feel more like a band-aid than an actual solution?
Yes? Then this course is for you.
The challenges in diabetes care are complex and there is usually no easy quick fix. To create a fundamental shift in experiences and outcomes, we must be able to get to the heart of why an issue exists first. Being skilled at working together across boundaries can then unlock opportunities to tackle the root cause of a problem and make lasting change happen.
In this free course, you will be introduced to how a systems thinking approach for healthcare can help you develop a deep understanding of problems and how to design solutions that actually tackle them. The sessions are a balance of theory and hands-on learning, where you'll work collaboratively with others on a case study using new practical tools and methods that you can easily apply in practice.
In this course you’ll learn how to:
- Involve diverse perspectives
- Understand the bigger picture
- Enable collaboration across boundaries
- Cut through complexity to make change happen
- See systems change as a process and outcome
- Apply systems change tools and models
Review our course outline for more detailed information on the topics covered each session.
Who is the course for?
This course is for:
- Everyone working in a health and care context whose job role includes diabetes prevention and care
- People with lived experience of diabetes who want to improve diabetes care
- Diabetes UK staff with an interest in systems change
The content is designed for beginners and participants do not need any systems change knowledge or experience prior to attending.
What to expect
- Take part in six structured online sessions that provide opportunities for experiential learning in a safe space. We’ll be using the online video platform Zoom.
- Connect with practitioners from across diabetes care, people with lived experience of diabetes and Diabetes UK staff
- Work in a diverse team on a practical case study example that addresses a complex challenge
The sessions
Dates & Time
Session 1: 13.09.2023, 6:30-9:00pm
Session 2 11.10.2023, 6:30-9:00 pm
Session 3: 08.11.2023, 6:30-9:00 pm
Session 4: 06.12.2023, 6:30-9:00 pm
Session 5: 17.01.2024, 6:30-9:00 pm
Session 6: 21.02.2024, 6:30-9:00 pm
Commitment
To get the most out of this experience, we ask you to do everything you can to arrange your schedule so you can be fully present for all sessions. Please note that this is to support the learning experience of your fellow participants, as well as your own.
In addition to attending the six online sessions, this course involves 3-5 hours of self-paced learning and practical work per month between sessions.
Cost
There is no cost for this course.
Facilitators
The online sessions will be run by two facilitators from Diabetes UK with expertise and practical experience in systems change in healthcare. People with lived experience of diabetes will have access to additional support from a mentor.
Information session
Want to learn more? Join our information session on the 31 July 7:00 -7.30pm. It will be held on Zoom and will be the opportunity to meet the facilitators and ask any questions. Email leadershipcommunity@diabetes.org.uk to register.
How to sign up for the course
Applications are now closed. If you would like to register your interest for future sessions, please email leadershipcommunity@diabetes.org.uk. For other development opportunities, including systems leadership skills, you can also join our Diabetes Leadership Community which runs throughout the year.
