International Diabetes Federation Commits To Improving Diabetes Education Globally Through Centres Of Education

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 03 Jun 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) announced that it will begin designating centres of education globally to improve clinical outcomes, care and knowledge of healthcare providers and people with diabetes.

The Federation aims to create a robust global framework for the effective implementation of diabetes education activities at the global, regional and local level. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the lack of properly trained healthcare providers in diabetes education and care, IDF saw the need to create IDF Centres of Education. IDF is calling for applications from institutions and member organizations that have a recognized reputation in health professional education.

"The International Diabetes Federation is the primary body that can facilitate action to fight the diabetes epidemic and its consequences. To do this we must facilitate the development of health professionals highly skilled in diabetes management. Therefore the implementation of this initiative by IDF signals a very exciting and significant milestone in our growth as an organization," said Marg McGill, IDF Senior Vice-President and Chair of the IDF Consultative Section on Diabetes Education.

Diabetes is now a global epidemic with over 250 million people living with the disease. IDF estimates that by 2025, over 380 million people will live with diabetes. The United Nations Resolution on diabetes recognized diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with major complications. It urges all governments to develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes.

The IDF Consultative Section on Diabetes Education has been a world leader in developing resources and programmes for diabetes education that would be an asset for governments and health professionals. In 2002, the Section published the International Curriculum for Diabetes Health Professional Education and in 2006 produced 19 modules of presentation slides based on them. In addition, the Federation has developed education courses based on the curriculum and has held 14 Multidisciplinary Diabetes Professional Programmes throughout the world. In 2003, IDF published the International Standards for Diabetes Education which serves as a basis for the development of quality diabetes education services. It guides healthcare providers in such areas as leadership, communication, documentation, the need for ongoing professional education, and physical requirements to be able to provide services, evaluation and research.

To meet the growing demand for diabetes education knowledge and expertise and to build capacity worldwide, IDF will designate its Centres of Education in local institutions which already have the knowledge and experience in providing diabetes education. The institutions selected by IDF will form part of an international collaborative voluntary network to initiate, facilitate, conduct and coordinate high-quality education for healthcare professionals in diabetes and other related chronic diseases.

An institution is designated as an IDF Centre of Education for an initial term of four years. The designation may be renewed for another four years or a shorter period. An IDF Centre of Education may be jointly designated by the International Diabetes Federation and another competent and specialized international body, such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Designation of centres is independent of financial support. Centres will face continuous monitoring and evaluation by IDF.

Institutions making an application to become an IDF Centre of Education will be required to conduct workshop-based programmes for health professionals training for a minimum of 40 to 50 students per year, either at national or regional level. There must be a post-programme follow-up; where possible, institutions must encourage the integration of the programmes into the curricula of other institutions; and encourage and incorporate the participation of people affected by diabetes. To find out more, visit http://www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=1641.

Strengthening IDF's education work is the appointment of Helen McGuire as its Diabetes Education Manager to coordinate all global education activities. McGuire has a wealth of experience in diabetes education and has spent the last nine years developing and managing a multi-site regional diabetes education centre in Canada.

" On the global stage we share the impact and the responsibility to respond to the diabetes epidemic. We also share the awareness that there is a gap between what we understand to be best practice and the experience of the person with diabetes. The education strategy of the International Diabetes Federation is key to narrowing that gap and increasing the capacity of countries to respond to the diabetes epidemic. I am very honoured and excited to take a leadership role to further advance the education strategy of the Federation," said McGuire

McGill said, "I am absolutely delighted to have someone with the talents and capabilities of Helen assisting in driving our global diabetes education agenda. Our task is enormous but with the dynamism and hard work of Helen and all the education team we will improve the lives of people with diabetes no matter where they live."

Notes

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of over 200 member associations in more than 160 countries, advocating for the more than 250 million people with diabetes, their families, and their healthcare providers. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The International Diabetes Federation leads the World Diabetes Day and Unite for Diabetes campaigns. Additional information is available at http://www.idf.org

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