Implementing a holistic approach to diabetes care

The concept of case assignment is an important development in diabetes education because it encourages a problem-solving approach to care, including evaluation of education, which is the basis of accountability and autonomous professional practice. Furthermore, case assignment and holistic care of clients with diabetes is a model of professional practice that benefits clients, practitioners, and administrators. Case assignment encourages comprehensive and efficient use of human and administrative resources, and provides a foundation for professional development and practitioner autonomy. Effective implementation of holistic care requires a reassessment by health professionals of practice protocols and a reorganization of policy and procedures. The expansion of professional skills necessary for the introduction of a holistic approach will (a) break down traditional practice barriers, and (b) extend the professional knowledge of diabetes care practitioners. Case assignment for diabetes education and follow-up, if extensively adopted, is a mechanism that could contribute to achieving recognition of diabetes educators as independent practitioners, recognition of diabetes education as a practice specialty, and reimbursement for private practitioners.