The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) released its 2016–2018 Strategic Plan, defining priorities for the organization comprised of healthcare professionals who engage with people who have or are at risk for diabetes to improve their quality of life through management and education. 

AADE defined four key strategic priorities:

Diabetes Educator Excellence

Lead the development of innovative education, knowledge resources, and services for professional development and career enhancement.

Value-based Services for Population Health Management 

Champion the positive outcomes and cost benefits of diabetes self-management education and support provided by qualified diabetes educators.

Diversity and Access

Expand and diversify the evolving diabetes educator workforce to address the increasing demand for and access to diabetes self-management education and support.

The Future

Shape, design, evaluate and drive opportunities related to technology and connected health to improve outcomes.

In order to meet these over-arching objectives, AADE will implement clear and targeted strategies:

• Design resources to address the emerging roles and practice of diabetes education and management across all practice levels.
• Address the need for diversity in AADE membership, products and services. Advocate for improved access to diabetes self-management education and support.
• Develop initiatives that showcase the unique contributions of diabetes educators to people affected by diabetes, population health management, and new models of care.
• Expand and leverage technology and the connected health environment as a means to engage and support all those involved in diabetes education and care.
• Explore opportunities to expand the impact of diabetes self-management education and support through global initiatives and partnerships.
• Determine a long-term vision for the diabetes education profession.

“Our new strategic plan considers our rapidly evolving healthcare system and the forces driving this change,” said AADE President Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE. “Our plan focuses squarely on ensuring that our members are ready to take on the numerous emerging roles at all practice levels to educate and care for people with and at risk for diabetes.”

To view a copy of the plan visit: www.diabeteseducator.org/strategicplan

About the AADE:
AADE is a multi-disciplinary professional membership organization dedicated to improving diabetes care through education.  With more than 14,000 professional members including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, and others, AADE has a vast network of practitioners involved in the daily treatment of people with diabetes. Learn more: www.diabeteseducator.org.