Using DESMOND’s virtual slides for face-to-face groups

Most DESMOND sites have returned to running face-to-face groups. Some are also choosing to use slides from the DESMOND National Team during these sessions, where possible.

Using these virtual slides in face-to-face groups is optional - not required - as long as the session still follows the DESMOND approach and Educator Core Behaviours. 

It's important to show the slides after the group has shared their thoughts, not before. The slides should support the discussion, not replace it. When you show a slide, talk about what's on it to help visual learners -don't just display it and move on. 

Using virtual slides during face-to-face groups can have several benefits:

  • You will use less flipchart paper 

  • You will spend less time writing things out during the session 

  • It can make explaining the glucose story in Session C easier, as you won't need to use magnets

Feedback from DESMOND Educators

Tiah Windett and Veronica Heard, DESMOND Educators for First Community Health & Care in Crawley, East Surrey, have been using the virtual slides throughout their face-to-face groups.

Tiah explains:

“I have been using the virtual DESMOND slides since I began conducting DESMOND courses, and they have transformed my teaching experience. The slides are seamless and visually engaging, which significantly enhances participant involvement and understanding.

“Unlike the magnetic DESMOND materials, the virtual slides eliminate the stop-and-start interruptions, allowing for a smoother flow during sessions. They also help keep me on track with the content. Given how effective they are, I would find it challenging to revert to traditional methods, provided the venue can accommodate this technology.”

Veronica adds:

“I have found the use of the virtual slides in the face-to-face DESMOND course really valuable. Most of the venues we use have the facility to use a large screen. I feel key sessions are enhanced with good graphics and assist with timekeeping and reduce paper usage.

 “I do not reveal the slides before the main questions have been asked and they can be a useful tool for patient reflection. Flip charts are created on paper as per normal delivery and activities are delivered as per usual delivery.  The sessions where we have continued to use the virtual slides include:

 A. Introduction

C. Type 2 Diabetes and glucose

D. Hba1c blood cells slide only

H. Long-term effects

K. Diabetes self-management plan

 “Before the use of the virtual slides, we received regular patient feedback about preference for the course to use digital resources. However, it does require a large enough screen to be used for the room size.”

To download the DESMOND NDF Virtual Slides, go to the DESMOND virtual portal using the link below:

Delivery Resources: Slides, Guidance Notes and delivery options — DESMOND

Password: desmond008

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