Technology Integration: The Role of the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in Practice

Abstract

Purpose Technology is rapidly evolving and has become an integral component of diabetes care. People with diabetes and clinicians are harnessing a variety of technologies, including connected blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, automated insulin delivery systems, data-sharing platforms, telehealth, remote monitoring, and smartphone mobile applications to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. Although diabetes technology use is associated with improved outcomes, this is enhanced when the person using it is knowledgeable and actively engaged; simply wearing the device or downloading an app may not automatically translate into health benefits. The diabetes care and education specialist (DCES) has a central role in defining and establishing a technology-enabled practice setting that is efficient and sustainable. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of the DCES in technology implementation and to demonstrate the value of diabetes technology in both the care of the individual and as a tool to support population-level health improvements. Conclusion By following the recommendations in this article, DCESs can serve as technology champions in their respective practices and work to reduce therapeutic inertia while improving health outcomes and providing patient-centered care for the populations they serve.

Clouds and Silver Linings: COVID-19 Pandemic Is an Opportune Moment to Democratize Diabetes Care Through Telehealth

“…For new technologies to be suitable for telehealth, this will also require user input representing all communities during the design and development phases to make the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) culturally appropriate, understandable, sticky, and of value. There is also an opportunity for currently underutilized Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (formerly referred to as diabetes educators) to play a larger role in expanding access to evidence-based remote care and education using telehalth 8,26,27 At a wider level, increasing the diversity of clinicians, improving healthcare coverage, and reorganizing the clinical workflow to transition to deliver more needs-based care and management with a move away from routine appointments may also add value.…”

From the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists: The Role of the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist as a Champion of Technology Integration

“…As the role of the diabetes care and education specialist has evolved from educator to full partner in diabetes care, so too has the role and impact of technology in clinical care and self-management. 9-16 Diabetes and cardiometabolic self-management is enhanced by connected devices, including meters, continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, automated insulin delivery systems, smart pens, other wearable devices, data platforms, apps, and virtual coaching. Data from these devices and platforms are used to inform shared decision-making and guide medical and behavioral advice and targeted education services.…”

“…These recommendations are then transformed into actionable, individualized guidance for people with diabetes through shared decision-making. 9,10 The diabetes care and education specialist contributes in a more global way to the optimization of care, education, and support by developing, implementing, and evaluating diabetes technology integration and improving training processes and workflows. 9,10 The vision for the specialty is reflected in the updated ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors framework, initially published in 2008 6 and updated in April 2020.…”

“…9,10 The diabetes care and education specialist contributes in a more global way to the optimization of care, education, and support by developing, implementing, and evaluating diabetes technology integration and improving training processes and workflows. 9,10 The vision for the specialty is reflected in the updated ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors framework, initially published in 2008 6 and updated in April 2020. 8 The 2020 framework maintains the commitment to person-centered care, addressing the needs of the whole person via a strengths-based approach that goes beyond knowledge transfer and addresses and supports behavior change to achieve clinical and health-related outcomes.…”

“…Danatech is also a source of on-demand and real-time courses, certificate programs, and continuing education in this field. 9,10 ADCES also provides the opportunity for members to connect with peers about diabetes technology through the use of the Diabetes Technology Community of Interest.…”