Facillitating diabetes care - a community approach

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Diabetes Management
• Public Health Services

Background:

• The South East Hampshire Community Diabetes Team (CDT) was established to address local needs in diabetes care.
• Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust provides the CDT, emphasizing a community-based specialist approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the integrated, multidisciplinary, community-based specialist approach of the CDT.
• To highlight the team's role in supporting newly diagnosed and follow-up patients with diabetes.
• To emphasize the CDT's focus on optimizing diabetes knowledge and self-management through education.

Main Methods:

• The CDT employs an integrated, multidisciplinary, community-based specialist model.
• Collaboration with primary and secondary care colleagues is a key operational strategy.
• The team provides support for people with diabetes (PWD), excluding those in 'super six' categories.

Main Results:

• The CDT offers specialized diabetes care within the community setting.
• Partnership across care levels ensures comprehensive patient support.
• Education programs are central to improving patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The CDT's integrated approach enhances diabetes self-management and knowledge.
• Community-based specialist care is effective for a broad range of people with diabetes.
• Patient and clinician education are vital components of successful diabetes management programs.