Poster Presentation ANZOS-ASLM-ICCR 2019

Annual Cycle of Care Screening for people living with diabetes in NSW, Australia (#190)

Angela Blair 1 , Fiona F+Gardner 1
  1. Diabetes NSW & ACT, Glebe, NSW, Australia

Background

Annual Cycle of Care Screening is a recognised strategy among health professionals to review the management of diabetes and the assessment of diabetes related complications in people living with diabetes. If not managed correctly, diabetes can lead to health problems such diabetes related complications, hearing loss or poor mental health and wellbeing. Attending for an annual assessment can lead to the early detection and the best treatment options for the person living with diabetes.

Diabetes NSW & ACT provided Screening Days to support, educate and engage people living with diabetes, while raising awareness of the importance of an annual screening.

Aim

The program offers people living with diabetes, who are National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) registrants, the opportunity to attend for a cycle of care assessment that includes a foot assessment, Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), point-of-care HbA1c, lipid and ACR review, their home glucose meter serviced and checked for accuracy and a review of their diabetes management.

This is not a clinical visit, instead, an opportunity to have questions answered by experienced health professionals (registered nurse - credentialled diabetes educators, accredited practicing dietitians and accredited exercise physiologists), promote the value of the annual cycle of care in ongoing diabetes management and re-engage the person with their local diabetes services and general practitioner. the program is supported by a senior podiatrist form Western Sydney University.

Method

Over a twelve month period, screenings were held in six (6) locations in NSW, Australia with 840 people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes attending for a screening visit. 

The screening results were sent to the person’s general practitioner for review and discussion. Feedback was collected at the time of the assessment on the person’s intention to change using the information and advice provided during the visit. The aim of the study is to investigate if the person discussed their results (with their doctor), or made any changes based on the advice they received.

Results

The mean HbA1c for this group was 6.0%, and evaluations completed indicated a positive experience with intention make a change following the screening. Results (304 analysed or 36%) indicated that 83% discussed their results with their doctor. Their intention to change centred around attending further screening visits or behaviours with:

  • 52%  referred to a podiatrist, 1% to a vascular surgeon
  • 82% had a follow-up visit with their podiatrist   
  • 83% attending for an eye checked
  • 15% attending for a dental check.
  • 67% talked to their doctor about their diabetes management
  • 30% have since had their medications changed
  • 61% check their feet daily for changes, 60% have changed the way they cut their toenails, 46% moisturise their feet daily and 53% improved their footwear

Discussion

This program reminds people of the importance of the Annual Cycle of Care as an integral part of their ongoing management of diabetes. It also encourages engagement with their local diabetes team. Diabetes NSW & ACT continues to provide this program in locations throughout NSW and ACT.