Friday, February 08, 2013
Healthcare Providers Learn A Lot About Diabetes Management At Successful Symposium
PEMBROKE – Healthcare providers in Renfrew County will now be better equipped to share information on diabetes management with their patients and clients who are at risk for diabetes or living with the disease thanks to the success of a one-day symposium held Feb. 1st at the Marguerite Centre in Pembroke.
Hosted by the Renfrew County Diabetes Education Program in partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Champlain Diabetes Regional Coordination Centre, “Diabetes Management from Head to Toe” attracted 95 participants from all areas of the healthcare community.
“We were very pleased to have had a wide range of healthcare professionals in attendance who are all key partners we work with as part of the client’s continuum of care,” said Diabetes Education Program Coordinator Karen Roosen, noting nursing students, physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, paramedics, staff from the health unit and hospitals, personal support workers, nurses and dietitians were among those taking part.
“It was a very interactive day and a good opportunity for providers to be able to network and better understand the roles and responsibilities we each have in the system as well as learning about the resources that are available,” Mrs. Roosen said, adding that presentations covered a variety of topics from eye care to foot care and everything in between.
She said that many of the speakers also recognized the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to care and being able to provide current and consistent information to patients and clients, regardless of who they are speaking to.
In addition to the presentations, participants could attend a trade show and fitness demonstrations, or visit display booths featuring local health-related programs and partners including the Renfrew County Diabetes Education Program, Champlain Community Care Access Centre, Champlain Diabetes Regional Coordination Centre, Steps Count / Diabeters, Carefor, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, Canadian Diabetes Association, Ottawa Valley Health and Wellness Centre, Community Mental Health Services, Stroke Prevention Clinic, Heartwise, and the Renfrew County Paramedic Service.
Pharmaceutical companies Lilly, Medtronic, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, BD, Bayer, Animas and LifeScan also had displays and provided sponsorship funds for the event.
Recognizing that there are more topics that could have been covered, committed to insuring the continuity of care for clients as they transition through different care settings and, based on the positive feedback, Mrs. Roosen said there will be future education sessions and symposiums for healthcare providers.
In addition, plans are underway to host education sessions for those who are at risk for, or have been diagnosed with diabetes, along with their families.
“What we are planning are shorter, two-hour sessions, likely to be held on a weekend and in three different areas of the County to make for easier access – Renfrew, Pembroke and Barry’s Bay,” Mrs. Roosen said.
To be planned in partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association, she said topics will likely focus on three key areas of interest to clients and families – nutrition, exercise and self-management.
Those interested in taking part can watch for advertised dates in the spring and early summer.
The Renfrew County Diabetes Education Program is a regional program administered by the Pembroke Regional Hospital which offers diabetes education services across five hospital sites in Renfrew County - Arnprior Memorial, Deep River & District, Renfrew Victoria, Pembroke Regional and St. Francis Memorial.
Services are also offered at nine outreach sites - Arnprior Villa, Quail Creek in Renfrew, Fairfield’s in Eganville, Pikwakanagan in Golden Lake, Rainbow Valley CHC in Killaloe, Whitewater Bromley CHC in Beachburg, Petawawa Centennial FHT, Riverview Heights (Pembroke) and Supple’s Landing in Pembroke.
Diabetes education services including screening, assessment, individual and group classes, follow-up consults, telemedicine services with specialists and public awareness sessions for the community, are provided by diabetes education teams consisting of registered nurses and registered dietitians.
The educators work in collaboration with family physicians, endocrinologists, pharmacists, other healthcare professionals and family members to deliver client-centred self-managed care for individuals living with or at risk of developing diabetes.
Referrals to any diabetes education clinic can be self-directed or physician and provider directed. To access services which help prevent diabetes or improve diabetes control by achieving a healthy lifestyle, or for more information: Call 1-855-293-7838 or Fax 1-855-293-7839.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Karen Roosen, Diabetes Education Coordinator
Pembroke Regional Hospital
(613) 732-3675 ext. 6530 / karen.roosen@pemreghos.org
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