Diabetes care and MADC
Capital Health Network received PHN funding from the Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care to commission multidisciplinary teams in small or solo general practice in support of chronic conditions and priority needs in the area. Integrating allied health professionals into small or solo general practices is achievable with thoughtful planning around space and resources. The Multidisciplinary Approach to Diabetes Care pilot program emerged after consultations with national and state allied health organisations, consumer groups, and general practices. The program offers adults at risk of diabetes complications free access to a multidisciplinary allied health team through 3 ACT general practices.
Patients in the program can receive free services from a Credentialed Diabetes Educator, Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist, and Podiatrist. They also have free access to a community gym. The program aims to improve diabetes care, reduce financial burdens, offer preventative care, and enhance patient health literacy and self-management skills. The program is available to patients of Conder Surgery and Gungahlin Medical and Surgical Centre. Patients who enrol in the comprehensive program receive allied healthcare at Diabetes Australia (Turner), The Walking Clinic (Lyneham & Garran), Accelerate Physiotherapy (Jamison & Garran), Canberra Allied Health (Aranda) and EQUIPD Allied Health (Chifley).
References
- Magliano, D. J., Chen, L., Morton, J. I., Buyadaa, O., Salim, A., & Shaw, J. E. (2024). Changes in the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Australia, 2005–2019, overall and by socio‐demographic characteristics: a population‐based study.Medical Journal of Australia,221(9). https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52461.
- Diabetes: Australian facts, Summary. (n.d.). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/summary#Treatment