New book showcases Integrated Diabetes Care - A Multidisciplinary Approach

Despite improving medical treatments and increased public health awareness, the number of Australians living with diabetes continues to rise, creating a growing problem for the wide range of medical professionals providing and coordinating care. For the more than 1 and a half million Australians with diabetes, the need to liaise with general practitioners, specialists, nurses and others can be a full time job in itself.

A new book, Integrated Diabetes Care—A Multidisciplinary Approach (opens in a new window), demonstrates how providing easy access to integrated health care is the key to improving overall health outcomes.

Edited by Professor David Simmons, from Western Sydney University, Integrated Diabetes Care investigates approaches from hospitals, communities and primary care providers across Europe, UK, USA, Australia, Africa and Asia.

"The book demonstrates that although diabetes care is complicated, and varies from country to country and hospital to hospital, there are many solutions that are working," says Professor Simmons.

"So while there is no 'one size fits all' solution, several effective strategies are available to meet the needs of diverse health care systems."

"Hopefully this book will put key knowledge, learning and experience from across the world into the hands of health professionals who can use it to improve the way care is delivered to their own patients."

In the book, diabetes is examined from a wide range of perspectives, from those involved in taxpayer and insurance funded health systems, to medical professionals involved in primary and secondary care.  There are chapters from the viewpoints of national patient organisations, and those in leadership positions who are tackling the growing epidemic.

"Our goal was to have a wide geographic representation and different payer health systems," says co-editor Dr Janice Zgibor, from the University of South Florida's College of Public Health.

"All over the world people do it differently, but one resounding theme is that the patient is at the center of the health care team and is supported by the rest of the health care team."

In his foreward, leading Australian researcher Professor Paul Zimmet AO, from Monash University, says the book demonstrates the need for an integrated multi-disciplinary approach.

"Diabetes is for life, and this book provides guidance for all those involved in diabetes to bring seamless and optimal care for the person with diabetes," says Professor Zimmet.

"An integrated approach prioritises the needs of the individual, and recognises the many interactions required between the person with diabetes, the range of health professionals needed for their care and the various levels of the health system."

Integrated Diabetes Care—A Multidisciplinary Approach is available online (opens in a new window).

Ends

2 November 2016

Mark Smith - Senior Media Officer