Authors: Shivajirao P. Patil, MD, MPH, BC-ADM , Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, PhD, APRN, CDCES , Kirsten Yehl, MS, MLIS , Jane Jeffrie Seley, DNP, MPH,MSN, GNP, BC-ADM, CDCES, CDTC , and Allyson S. Hughes, PhD
September 2022
Diabetes technology requires HCPs to stay current with treatment goals and practice guidelines. The complexities of caring for people with diabetes (PWD) who utilize diabetes technology is best accomplished in collaboration with the multiple members of the care team and support staff to cover all aspects of technology including prior authorizations, onboarding PWD, downloading and interpreting data and supporting ongoing utilization.
A recent publication, developed with support from ADCES, introduces a comprehensive set of role-based competencies for HCPs, DCESs and staff for the selection, implementation and sustainability of diabetes technology when providing diabetes care, education and support.
For guidance on leveraging all members of the care team and support staff to deliver comprehensive diabetes management and support to PWD utilizing diabetes technology in their self-care regimen, make sure to download and read the full paper, The Professional Competencies for Diabetes Technology Use in the Care Setting.
Below is a sample of the full paper. Or read the full paper.
Purpose: The integration of diabetes technology into diabetes care and self-management is evolving so rapidly that providing sufficient support has become an obstacle for many health care professionals (HCPs) in practice. Diabetes technology requires HCPs to stay current with treatment goals and practice guidelines. Diabetes care and education specialists (DCESs) are well positioned to take on this challenge by seizing opportunities to apply their skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to a technology-enabled practice environment. Diabetes technology includes devices, hardware and software utilized to manage all aspects of diabetes care, including lifestyle management, glucose monitoring and insulin delivery.
The purpose of this article is to introduce a comprehensive set of role-based competencies for HCPs, DCESs and staff for the selection, implementation and sustainability of diabetes technology when providing diabetes care, education and support. The role-based competencies described in this article are intended to support the initiation, continuation and optimal use of diabetes technology in practice through ongoing education and guidance of care team members.
Conclusion: This article describes the diabetes technology competencies essential for all levels of the care team and support staff in various care settings to deliver comprehensive diabetes management and support to people with diabetes utilizing diabetes technology in their self-care regimen.
Based on the findings of the Delphi study,12 seven domains of diabetes technology competencies for diabetes care and education specialists were proposed. These seven domains are organized in an intentional sequence to facilitate natural flow from device and data knowledge to special situations such as schools and camps. Within each domain, the competencies are organized by four practice levels: Basic, Fundamental, Intermediate and Advanced.
The Value of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists: ADCES and numerous stakeholders highlight all the ways in which diabetes care and education specialists impact care, improve outcomes and reduce cost.
DISCLAIMERS:
This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your diabetes care and education specialist or health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. To find a diabetes care and education specialist near you, visit the ADCES finder tool.
ADCES and danatech curate product specifics and periodically review them for accuracy and relevance. As a result, the information may or may not be the most recent. We recommend visiting the manufacturer's website for the latest details if you have any questions.