Recent Dietetic students David and Dylan from Deakin University conducted a project for East Wimmera Health Services (EWHS) regarding Diabetes in the area.

The following is a summary article of their findings and recommendations for improving the service and overall health of consumers within the EWHS catchment areas.

EWHS is at the forefront of delivering accessible allied health services to the Buloke and Northern Grampians shires, aiming to “cultivate healthy communities”.

These communities, compared to the rest of Victoria, exhibit proportionately high demand for the use of diabetes services. Historically, community diabetes clients are scheduled for individual appointments, but recent innovations have introduced joint consultations between dietitians and diabetes educators, enhancing quality of care and efficiency. This project assessed the potential of expanding this model, focusing on incorporating podiatry services, envisioning a clinic where community diabetes clients could consult three specialists in a single, “one-stop-shop” diabetes clinic.

Higher than average

Diabetes affects 1.2 million Australians. Notably, the EWHS catchment area has a higher prevalence than the Australian rural average, with rates hitting 7.4 per cent. There is an evident need to evolve our approach to diabetes care, and a capacity within EWHS to do so. A multidisciplinary clinic not only addresses the rising diabetes prevalence but also resonates with the felt and expressed requirements of our community.

In recognition of this need, and summarising the total evidence obtained, the following recommendations are proposed as an adaptive, reasonable, and actionable solution to improving diabetes care:

1. Clinic structure: Initiate designated multidisciplinary clinic days to offer a “one-stop-shop” model, focusing on using spaces conducive to collaborative consultations.

2. Consultation processes: Embrace joint-consultations as the norm, using telehealth when appropriate, and ensure patients receive timely reminders and informational materials.

3. Referral processes: Revamp the referral system, encouraging direct appointments and leveraging GPs for early referrals in the future. Expand the referral umbrella to include disciplines like physiotherapy.

Overall, implementing these recommendations to adapt EWHS primary care model to a one-stop-shop diabetes clinic will streamline services, enhance patient experience, and ensure holistic diabetes care, cultivating a healthier community.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 31 October 2023.