About the statewide initiative for diabetes management

Diabetes is a leading public health challenge in NSW and Australia. One in 11 people aged over 16 years in NSW has diabetes. This number is continuing to grow. 

Diabetes can lead to a range of health complications and frequent hospitalisation for patients. Between 2013-14 and 2018-19, there were 431,000 patients with diabetes who received inpatient care at a NSW public hospital. This is an average of 72,000 patients per year. 

Developing a statewide initiative for diabetes management

The NSW Ministry of Health, the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI)  and NSW Primary health Networks are working with Local Health Districts, Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations, Diabetes NSW & ACT and other partners on a statewide initiative. The document Integrating care for people with diabetes, A Statewide Initiative for Diabetes Management outlines the approach to improve the coordination of diabetes care across NSW and keep people well and out of hospital. NSW partners will work together in a 'one health system' approach to improve outcomes that matter to patients, the experiences of receiving and providing care, and the efficiency and effectiveness of care. 

Taking a value based healthcare approach

NSW Health is taking a value based approach to developing this initiative. In NSW, value based healthcare means striving to improve outcomes that matter to patients, the experiences of receiving care and providing care, and the efficiency and effectiveness of care. These are known as the four essentials of value.

The overarching goal of the initiative is to improve health outcomes and the experiences of care for people with diabetes. Key to this is understanding the patient's perspective and organising care around their needs.

The initiative includes six key focus areas that will guide partners to develop coordinated and integrated care at the local level.

1. Partnerships with people living with diabetes
2. Capability building for health professionals in hospital settings, primary care, community and aged care settings to promote best practice
3. Tailored strategies for priority communities
4. Agreed processes for identification of diabetes, referral pathways and escalation of care
5. Shared information and data
6. Identified governance and leadership with a focus on partnerships.
   

More information

For more information on:

• the scope of the diabetes problem in NSW – see the  Diabetes management in NSW - Case for Change summary 
• the key focus areas included in the initiative – see the  Statewide initiative for diabetes management -  Integrating care for people with diabetes