Diabetes expert launches ‘world-first’ music-based health learning platform

A platform that uses music to help people better understand diabetes and other healthcare concepts has been launched ahead of World Diabetes Day.

Developed by Dr Stephen Lawrence, associate clinical professor in diabetes at the University of Warwick, Prescribed Notes is the world’s first platform to use music as an immersive, memorable tool for learning complex health concepts.

Combining face-to-face and online lessons, each session is tailored, interactive and brought to life through live music and storytelling.

The platform combines live piano music with evidence-based diabetes and healthcare education to engage, inspire and empower diverse audiences.

As a practising physician, academic and accomplished improvising pianist, Dr Lawrence noticed that traditional medical education often struggles to make a lasting impact on healthcare professionals.

In response, he created Prescribed Notes, drawing on research and his own experience showing that medical information is more easily understood and retained when delivered through music and rhythmic patterns.

Dr Lawrence said: “Music has an incredible ability to make complex ideas stick in the mind.

“With Prescribed Notes, we are creating a space where medical knowledge and melody come together, helping people understand and remember healthcare concepts in a way that is both engaging and inspiring.”

“By combining storytelling, live performance and evidence-based education, we aim to transform the way people experience learning about diabetes and other health conditions, making it memorable, meaningful and, above all, enjoyable.”

Dr Lawrence brings extensive expertise to this platform, having previously served as the diabetes lead for the Royal College of General Practitioner (RCGP) and as the primary care lead for Diabetes UK.

His experience in these roles has given him insights into the challenges faced by both people living with diabetes and healthcare providers.

World Diabetes Day is an annual global awareness campaign held on 14 November to highlight the importance of diabetes awareness and management.

It marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting – co-discoverer of insulin.

The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about diabetes and to promote the importance of coordinated action to confront the disease as a critical global health issue.