Improving Diabetes Care in the British Columbia Southern Interior: Developing Community‒University Initiatives to Address Service Gaps

Abstract

Diabetes resources in the British Columbia southern interior are lacking and an evaluation would illuminate service strengths and gaps. A community-engaged approach was helpful for conducting an environmental scan to identify local diabetes services. A community-university stakeholder meeting generated plans for collaborative research projects.

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: The delivery of ambulatory diabetes care to children and adolescents with diabetes

“…Virtual hub-and-spoke networks can be organized in order to disseminate knowledge in underserved areas and support primary care physicians. 103,104 The use of telemedicine provides a potential practical solution to overcome the barriers related to travel and the absence of local expertise in diabetes management. 23,105 Where affordability of care is the main barrier, efforts should focus on advocacy for reimbursement, as well as promoting collaborations between local/national government agencies and diabetes advocacy groups.…”

“…Potential solutions to accessibility/availability barriers are to offer local diabetes clinic options or, in cases where organizing smaller diabetes centers or regular outreach clinics is not feasible, training local primary care physicians, implementing a shared electronic medical record to track the child's care and identify “red flags” that might impact motivation and clinic visit attendance. Virtual hub‐and‐spoke networks can be organized in order to disseminate knowledge in underserved areas and support primary care physicians 103,104 . The use of telemedicine provides a potential practical solution to overcome the barriers related to travel and the absence of local expertise in diabetes management 23,105 .…”

Reflections on Virtual Care for Chronic Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Locke et al examine community and university-based initiatives to address health service gaps ( 3 ). Through community consultation, the authors identify priority areas for addressing gaps in diabetes services, including the development of a community-based diabetes hub (centralized diabetes care) and the use of a navigator to assist in an individual care plan.…”

“…However, it will also introduce new barriers related to technology, connectivity, communication and relationship building that risk perpetuating care inequities. As highlighted by Dawson et al ( 2 ) and Locke et al ( 3 ), partnerships with patients and communities will be key to moving forward. Through partnership, we can advance toward a health system that combines the strengths of virtual and in-person care to overcome prepandemic barriers to accessing health care for a postpandemic world.…”