Diabetes Australia is currently undertaking a strategic planning process for the 2012-16 NDSS National Development Programs, which support activities that maintain or improve NDSS services, including the development of national resources, information or services. As part of this strategic planning process, Diabetes Australia will be consulting with stakeholders from December 2011. The planning process will also include a review of all projects undertaken under the Strategic Development Grant Program from 2001-2011 to identify education and service gaps in priority areas.
The review will inform the development of the National Development Programs Strategic Plan, which will set out the needs and high level priorities under the National Development Program for years 2012-16 of the NDSS Agreement. The Plan will focus on projects and activities that meet the aim of the NDSS, and have a potential to be rolled out nationally as a Registrant support service. Following the provision of the final report of this process to the Department of Health and Ageing, Diabetes Australia will develop detailed project plans, including an implementation timeframe for National Development Program activities from 1 July 2012.
Priority areas for 2012-16 are:
Please click on a priority area above for a summary of projects undertaken between 2001 – 2011.
The online survey is now closed. We thank all who participated in this important survey.
We recommend that you review the project summaries for the priority areas you are planning to comment on before commencing the survey.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Project Name
|
Project Stage
|
| Self-care in Remote Indigenous Communities |
Not commenced |
| Diabetes Management & Care Program |
Completed |
| Consultant to develop evaluation strategy for the Diabetes Management & Care Program |
Completed |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Registrant Starter Pack |
Not commenced |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Flip Charts |
Completed |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Documentary - That Diabetes DVD |
Completed |
| NDSS Access for Indigenous Australians - Urbis Report |
Completed |
| Engagement with Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) |
Completed |
| Employment of Aboriginal Health Workers |
In Progress |
| Development of National Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples - Feltman and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Flip Charts |
Competed |
| Diabetes training for Aboriginal Health Workers |
In Progress |
| Message Sticks |
In Progress |
Resources
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Registrant Starter Pack
In 2005, a project was proposed to adapt the NDSS Registrant Starter Pack to reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and linguistic needs.
Current Status:
This project did not commence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Flipcharts
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Flip Charts developed by Healthy Living NT were printed and distributed nationally in 2006.
Current Status:
From 2010, Flipcharts have been developed and distributed as part of subsequent SDG Projects - Development of National Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Engagement with Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (see below).
Review and further reproduction of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Flipcharts will be considered in the 2011/12 Strategic Planning Process.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Documentary – That Diabetes DVD
In 2006, a 20 minute documentary was produced to highlight in a culturally sensitive way the difficulties faced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in relation to diabetes and strategies that can be introduced to address diabetes.
Current Status:
The DVD is no longer being distributed as stock of the DVD has been depleted. Review and further reproduction of the That Diabetes DVD will be considered in the 2011/12 Strategic Planning Process.
Development of National Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People – Feltman and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Flip Charts
In 2010, the production and distribution of existing resources that have been demonstrated as useful educational tools by Aboriginal Health Workers was undertaken. The resources produced and distributed were:
- Feltman - a diabetes education tool developed by Diabetes Australia – Vic and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO). Feltman is a teaching resource designed for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community that can be used to discuss type 2 diabetes prevention and diabetes management.
Feltman is a life-sized felt body that shows the main organs involved in the digestion and metabolism of food, and the main parts of the body affected by diabetes.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Flip Charts – please see resource description above.
Current Status:
The resources are being distributed by NDSS State and Territory Agents.
Feltman is in high demand. To date, 450 Feltman packages have been distributed to people working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. There have been numerous requests for a ‘generic’ version of Feltman to use with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, people with diabetes who have low literacy, and in schools.
Diabetes Training for Aboriginal Health Workers
The aim of the Diabetes Training for Aboriginal Health Workers Project was to develop and pilot a new diabetes training module specifically designed for Aboriginal Health and Community Workers, and to identify the best possible delivery models and partners nationally, recognising that many of these workers do not have nursing or health training.
An online diabetes education module for ATSI Health and Community Workers was developed and piloted in 2011.
Current Status:
The online diabetes education module is undergoing a review by the Diabetes Australia health professional arm.
Improvements to the NDSS
Engagement with Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Employment of Aboriginal Health Workers
In 2010, Aboriginal Health Workers (AHW) / Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALO) were employed by State and Territory NDSS Agents to build strong tangible relationships with Aboriginal Medical Services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and other indigenous health organisations. These projects were informed by the findings from the 2007 Urbis Report, a previous SDG project – NDSS Access for Indigenous Australians (see below).
Current Status:
This project is continuing in 2011/12.
Self-care in Remote Indigenous Communities
In 2005, a project was proposed to promote self-management as a component of a system of care, for people with diabetes, in four Indigenous health settings throughout the Northern Territory.
Current Status:
This project did not commence.
Diabetes Management & Care
In 2006, this project aimed to pilot a Diabetes Management and Care Program in four remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People communities. The program was based on a successful pilot in Western Australia. The objectives of this program were:
- To position the local community in a proactive ownership role within the Diabetes Management and Care Program
- To strengthen the capacity of local communities to deal with and prevent diabetes by training local mentors and building knowledge and community support systems, including sustainable individual and group exercise programs
- To improve the health-related quality of life of Aboriginal people with diabetes
- To increase understanding of the importance of early prevention, care and self-management of patients with diabetes
- To initiate preventative action through increased awareness of the importance of lifestyle change, diet and physical activity in the prevention and control of diabetes and general health.
A SDG project Evaluation Framework for the Diabetes Management & Care Program was initiated to develop an evaluation framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People community projects of this nature. The evaluation framework developed for this project was found to be very useful for reporting the progress on the project (activities undertaken, and the outcomes of those activities), as well as the indicators used to assess the outcomes.
Current Status:
This project is closed.
Research
NDSS Access for Indigenous Australians – Urbis Report
In 2007, a report was commissioned to identify the reasons for low NDSS registration rates nationally by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to develop appropriate strategies for a pilot to increase access to the NDSS.
Current Status:
The report is in circulation.
Services
Message Sticks
In 2011, a culturally appropriate education program, Message Sticks, about diabetes and self-management was developed. The program aimed to engage AMSs to develop their capacity to manage diabetes in their community. The Message Sticks program has been piloted in communities in Queensland.
Current Status:
A final report is expected December 2011. The outcomes from the report will be considered in the 2011/12 Strategic Planning Process.
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Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities
Project Name
|
Project Stage
|
| Multilingual Website |
Completed |
| Review multilingual website content |
Completed |
| Best Practice Consultation Framework |
Completed |
| GDM Video - Understanding Gestational Diabetes |
Completed |
| Copies and Distribution of GDM resource |
Completed |
| Nutrition report |
Completed |
| Cross Cultural Communication of Diabetes |
Completed |
| NDSS Starter Pack for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities |
Deferred |
| CALD GDM Starter Pack |
Completed |
| Bilingual Community Educator Program |
Deferred |
| Translated NDSS Factsheets |
Completed |
Resources
GDM Video – Understanding Gestational Diabetes
In 2004, a low literacy video was developed for women with gestational diabetes from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Languages available on the video were Turkish, Arabic and Vietnamese.
Current status:
The video was reviewed in 2006 and produced into a DVD, with the addition of Mandarin and Cantonese. The DVD is available to order from the NDSS website.
A 2011/12 Diabetes in Pregnancy project, Translate Gestational Diabetes DVD is underway to add further languages to the DVD for communities with low literacy levels. These languages are Khmer, Urdu, Farsi, Punjabi and Bengali.
Cross Cultural Communication of Diabetes
This project identified information and resource gaps for three communities - Arabic speaking, Vietnamese and Turkish. Communication protocols were developed that outlined a best practice model for community consultation, development and testing of in-language materials and evaluation by stakeholders. The model was used in the development of the below resources:
- Shopping guides in Arabic
- Managing Diabetes booklet in Vietnamese and Arabic
- Positively Managing Gestational Diabetes booklet in Turkish and Arabic
Current Status:
The Shopping Guides and Managing Diabetes booklet are available to download from the NDSS website.
Positively Managing Gestational Diabetes’ has been replaced by the translated Gestational Diabetes - caring for yourself and your baby booklet.
NDSS Starter Pack for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
Adaptation of the NDSS Registrant Starter Pack was proposed in 2007 to reflect the needs of 13 specific culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Current Status:
This project was deferred and will be further considered in the 2011/12 Strategic Planning Process.
Translated NDSS Factsheets
In 2011, ten NDSS factsheets were translated into ten languages - Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Turkish, Arabic, Italian, Urdu, Greek, Spanish, Korean.
Current Status:
The Factsheets are available for download on the NDSS website.
CALD Gestational Diabetes Starter Pack
In 2010 a booklet titled Gestational Diabetes - caring for yourself and your baby’ was developed and together with the Life After Gestational Diabetes booklet formed the basis of the Gestational Diabetes Starter Pack.
The CALD Gestational Diabetes Starter Pack consists of the Gestational Diabetes - caring for yourself and your baby booklet which provides comprehensive information about gestational diabetes, its management and where to get assistance when it is required. The booklet was translated into Arabic, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) in 2011.
Current Status:
The English version of the Starter Pack is sent to all women with GDM who register on the NDSS. The translated booklets are available from the NDSS website for download.
The English version of the Starter Pack has been evaluated by consumers and a report on the evaluation with recommendations has been developed. Report recommendations will be considered by the Diabetes in Pregnancy Working Party and any updates to the booklet will occur in 2011/12. The CALD GDM Starter Pack will also be updated at this time.
Consideration to developing the Life After Gestational Diabetes booklet as a CALD resource will occur in the 2011/12 Strategic Planning Process.
Improvements to the NDSS
Multilingual Website
In 2002, multilingual information on the Diabetes Australia website was developed to assist people with diabetes from CALD communities.
Current Status:
A review of the multilingual website's English base texts occurred in 2006 and corrections and recommendations for improvements were identified and implemented.
Research
Nutrition Report
Diabetes Australia, through the NDSS commissioned this report by the Dietitians Association of Australia and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association in 2003. This report identified those CALD communities with the highest need for information in their own language because of the size of the community which is likely to benefit, greater risk of diabetes through genetic predisposition, relatively poor English language proficiency compared to other immigrant communities, literacy difficulties, and an older than average population in Australia increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Current Status:
The report was disseminated in 2005.
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Diabetes in Pregnancy
Project Name
|
Project Stage |
| Understanding Gestational Diabetes DVD |
Completed |
| Translate Gestational Diabetes DVD |
In Progress |
| Can I have a Healthy Baby Booklet |
Completed |
| Having a Healthy Baby DVD |
Completed |
| Gestational Diabetes Starter Pack |
Completed |
| CALD Gestational Diabetes Starter Pack |
Completed |
| Gestational Diabetes Information Pack for Health Professionals |
In Progress |
| National Gestational Diabetes Register |
Completed |
| Gestational Diabetes Follow-up System |
Completed |
| Gestational Diabetes Management Guidelines |
Deferred |
In 2006, a low literacy DVD was developed for women with gestational diabetes from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Languages available on the DVD are Turkish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin and English.
Understanding Gestational Diabetes DVD Resources Developed
Current status:
The DVD is available to order from the NDSS website. A 2011/12 project, Translate Gestational Diabetes DVD is underway to add further languages to the DVD. These languages are Khmer, Urdu, Farsi, Punjabi, Bengali.
Can I have a Healthy Baby Booklet
In 2009, a booklet for women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes considering becoming pregnant was developed. The booklet was a joint project between NDSS, Diabetes Australia -Vic, Reality Check and the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADiPS). The booklet along with the Having a Healthy Baby - DVD (information below) was sent to all women with type 1 and 2 diabetes aged 18 -40 in 2009.
Current Status:
The booklet is available to order from the NDSS website.
Having a Healthy Baby DVD
A DVD for women with existing diabetes (type 1 or type 2) relating to healthy pregnancy and babies was developed. This DVD explains the importance of planning a pregnancy for women with diabetes. The DVD offers two menu options: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. This project was completed in 2009.
Current Status:
The DVD is available for order from the NDSS website.
Gestational Diabetes Starter Pack
In 2010 a Starter Pack for women with gestational diabetes including booklets titled Gestational Diabetes - caring for yourself and your baby and Life after gestational diabetes along with information relating to the NDSS, and other resources, services and products available was developed.
The booklet Gestational Diabetes – Caring for Yourself and Your Baby was translated into Arabic, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Chinese (Traditional and Simplified). The translated booklet is available from the NDSS website for download.
Current Status:
The Starter Pack is sent to all women with GDM who register on the NDSS. The Starter Pack has been evaluated by consumers and a report on the evaluation with recommendations has been developed. Report recommendations will be considered by the Diabetes in Pregnancy Working Party and any updates to the booklet will occur in 2011/12.
Gestational Diabetes Information Pack for Health Professionals
A pack containing information on gestational diabetes has been developed for health professionals. Information includes resources provided to NDSS Registrants, materials regarding the gestational diabetes register and follow-up system, and the guidelines for management of GDM.
Current Status:
The Information Pack will be available to order or download from the NDSS website.
Gestational Diabetes Management Guidelines
The aim of this project was to work with ADIPS and RANZCOG to develop current guidelines for the management of gestational diabetes.
Current Status:
This project was deferred and will be further considered in the 2011/12 Strategic Planning Process.
Improvements to the NDSS
National Gestational Diabetes Register
Using the NDSS database, a National Gestational Diabetes Register was developed to provide a single source of data about gestational diabetes for health professionals, researchers and government.
Current Status:
The National Gestational Diabetes Register has been fully operational since 1 July 2011. The Register will be evaluated in 2012.
Gestational Diabetes Follow-up System
A Gestational Diabetes Follow-up system was established. Reminder letters are sent to women who have had gestational diabetes and their GPs reminding them when to have/conduct a diabetes screening test. Reminder letters are sent 12 weeks after the expected date of birth and then annually.
Current Status:
The Gestational Diabetes Follow-up System has been fully operational since 1 July 2011 and will be going through various evaluations in the coming year.
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Older People with Diabetes
| Project Name |
Project Stage |
| Diabetes Management Kit for Aged Care Facilities |
In Progress |
| National resources for Independent-Living Older People |
Deferred |
Resources
Diabetes Management Kit for Aged Care Facilities
In 2011, this project reviewed and updated, for national roll out, the Diabetes Management Resource Kit for Aged Care Facilities (ACFs) which was developed by Diabetes Tasmania in 2007.
The Kit will aid the management of diabetes in elderly people with diabetes residing in ACFs, providing guidance on recognised standards of diabetes care, including day-to-day diabetes management and complications screening. Diabetes information in this kit includes: What is diabetes? Blood Glucose monitoring, Hypoglycaemia/Hyperglycaemia, Management of Acute Illness, Complication Screening, Dietary Guidelines, Physical Activity, Foot care, Oral Care etc. Also included is a DVD which demonstrates activities such as using lancets, foot examination etc.
The Kit will be distributed to every Residential ACF in Australia.
Current Status:
The Kit is currently undergoing review by Diabetes Australia’s health professional arm.
National resources for Independent - Living Older People
In 2011, this project was to develop a suite of nationally consistent resources for independent-living older people living with diabetes and their carers (including guidance for ‘living alone’ and ‘information for carers’), to assist them and/ or their carers and health professionals to manage their diabetes to minimise complications.
Current Status:
This project was deferred due to short timeframes in which to complete the project and will be further considered in the 2011/12 Strategic Planning Process.
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Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes
| Project Name |
Project Stage |
| Diabetes Education for Mental Health Workers |
Completed |
| Delivery of Mental Health Workers Training Program |
Completed |
| Web-based Self-Assessment Tool |
In progress |
| Quality of life/Diabetes MILES Survey |
Completed |
Resources
Introduction to Diabetes for Mental Health Workers
In 2010, an online diabetes education program for mental health workers to increase their awareness and understanding of diabetes was developed. A project to deliver the training program was funded in 2010/11.
Current Status:
The training program has been operational since November 2011, and can be found on the NDSS website ndss.com.au
Minding Diabetes
A Web-based Self-Assessment Tool titled Minding Diabetes was developed in 2011. The webpage includes a self - assessment tool for people to assess diabetes related distress and questions on depression and anxiety. The aim of the webpage is to raise awareness of problem areas in diabetes and anxiety and depression, provide links to information and to encourage people to seek help from their GP/diabetes health professional and referral to mental health professionals.
Current Status:
The content of the webpage is currently being reviewed by the Diabetes Australia health professional arm.
Research
Diabetes MILES (Management and Impact for Long-term Empowerment and Success) Survey
A survey based on current evidence to measure diabetes-specific quality of life (the QoL-Q Diabetes) in Australian adults with diabetes has been developed and piloted with NDSS Registrants.
The survey is the first part of the Diabetes MILES study which represents the first step towards establishing a longitudinal program of population-based research dedicated to improving the quality of life and addressing the psychological needs of Australians with diabetes.
Current Status:
The survey report will be finalised in December 2011. The report can be found at diabetesmiles.com.au
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Young People with Diabetes
| Project Name |
Project Stage |
| Year 1 priorities Young People with Diabetes |
Completed |
| Transition Video |
Completed |
| Duplication, Distribution and Promotion of Transition Resource |
Completed |
| Eating Disorders |
Completed |
| Young Adults with Diabetes Needs Analysis |
Completed |
| Youth Website ("MyD") |
Completed |
| Youth Transition Pack |
Completed |
| Youth Transition Liaison Officer |
Deferred |
| National Register for Youth |
Completed |
| Youth Transition Survey |
Completed |
| Resource for youth and health professionals |
In Progress |
Resources
Diabetes and Eating Disorders booklet
An information resource developed for people with type 1 diabetes, their family and friends to explain the different types of eating disorders and why people with type 1 diabetes may have a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. It also provides information about accessing further information and support services. This project was completed in 2005.
Current Status:
The Diabetes and Eating Disorders booklet is available to order on the NDSS website. In 2011 the booklet underwent a review and redesign, an outcome of the review was the recommendation that the booklet undergo a complete revision. This will be considered as part of the 2011/12 strategic planning process.
GYST - A life guide for young people with diabetes on the move
In 2004, a video dealing with the issue of transition from children’s health services to adult health services and its impact on people with type 1 diabetes was developed. In 2007, the video was reviewed and produced as a DVD and distributed to existing Registrants aged 16 and to newly diagnosed Registrants aged 16 -24.
Current Status:
The DVD is no longer produced by the NDSS.
MyD Website
In 2008, the NDSS Youth Website MyD was developed for young people with diabetes aged 16 - 25. The website provides general information on living with diabetes and covers topics like school, work, travel, driving and general health.
The development of the website was a recommendation from the Young People with Diabetes Needs Analysis project. 77% of the participants surveyed indicated the internet as their preferred medium to receive information. Therefore it was proposed that a new website be developed to be a reference point for this focus area.
Current Status:
The MyD website has been operational since 2008 and can be viewed at myd.net.au
Youth Transition Pack
A Youth Transition Pack has been developed to assist young people aged 12 to 20 years of age and their parents in planning the transition from paediatric to adult care. The Pack consists of a birthday card from the NDSS and a letter to parents/carers with age appropriate transition information.
Current Status:
Distribution of the Pack commenced in August 2010.
Resources for Youth and Health Professionals
This project will identify and provide information about risk behaviours for young people living with diabetes and health professionals
As part of this project the Diabetes and Eating Disorders booklet was reviewed and redesigned.
Current Status:
Identifying and developing resources for youth and health professionals is in progress and due to be completed by June 2012.
Research
Year 1 priorities Young People with Diabetes
In 2001, a report detailing a specific program of initiatives for development and delivery of information and education resources specifically tailored for young people with diabetes was developed.
Current Status:
Report no longer used.
Young Adults with Diabetes Needs Analysis
This project documented in a report concerns and issues faced by young adults who have diabetes, and identified areas of need in relation to information, health services and other types of support. This was achieved through a series of group discussions and in-depth interviews with young adults aged 16-35 who have Type1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes, followed by a national online survey. In 2007, the report Young Adults with Diabetes Needs Analysis was disseminated.
Current Status:
The report is still in circulation.
Youth Transition Survey
A survey of young people with diabetes in Victoria and Tasmania was undertaken to determine methods of Transition Liaison Officer engagement and communication strategies to minimise the risk of young people dropping out of health care. Findings from the report will also determine what resources will be developed for young people in the 2011/12 project.
Current Status:
The Youth Transition Survey report will be finalised in December 2011.
Improvements to the NDSS
National Register for Youth
A National Register for Youth was developed in 2011 to provide a single source of data for health professionals, researchers and government. The Register provides the NDSS with the capacity to capture additional information to assist young people in transition from paediatric to adult health care.
Current Status:
The National Register for Youth has been operational since 1 July 2011.
Services
Transition Liaison Officers
In 2010, a project was proposed whereby Transition Liaison Officers would be employed by NDSS Agents to engage with young people through the transition period from child to adult services. The role of the Transition Liaison Officers was to emphasize the importance of maintaining good diabetes self-management and regular contact with multidisciplinary healthcare teams and peer supports. Employment of Transition Liaison Officers was to be piloted in Victoria and Tasmania before being rolled out nationally.
Current Status:
Due to difficulties in recruiting Transition Liaison Officers within the project timeframes, this project was deferred and will be considered as part of the 2011/12 strategic planning process.
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