Diabetes_Healyh

Write a reflective paper on becoming a diabetes educator. Write a reflective paper on becoming a diabetes educator. What is a diabetes educator' Diabetes educators are healthcare professionals who focus on helping people with and at risk for diabetes and related conditions achieve behaviour change goals which in turn lead to better clinical outcomes and improved health status. Diabetes educators apply in-depth knowledge and skills in the social and educational self-management of diabetes. A diabetes educator is in charge of providing diabetics and their families with the required social and psychological support and of helping them to manage the disease. The aim is to modify lifestyle and prevent any possible complications in individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Role of the diabetes educator. In my opinion, the diabetes educator should be able: * To enable people with diabetes to manage their diabetes. * To enhance the quality of life of the person with diabetes. * To understand the health risk of the person with diabetes. * Explore the meaning of these risks in the context of the diabetic’s personal, social and cultural behaviour. * Activate the diabetic to determine a comprehensive self-management that will maximise their health outcomes. * Assess diabetes clinical status and educational needs of the person with diabetes. * Document the education process, including follow-up of people with diabetes. * Evaluate outcomes of care and education given to the people with diabetes. * Have a good theoretical and practical knowledge of all aspect of the diabetes care. * Be trained and competent health workers so as to deliver program content. * Have good communication and counselling skills. * People should have easy access to the diabetes education services. * Ensures privacy, confidentiality, and trustworthiness when working with patients. * Ensures adequate time for patient and educator interaction. * The educator should be friendly, open-minded, and should be a good listener. An educator must be able to develop strong linkage with community organisation so as to build community support. Why diabetes education' Diabetes education is very important due to the rising prevalence of diabetes. Many studies have shown that a proper diabetes education and good diabetes knowledge will improved the quality of life of people with diabetes. It is associated with increased use of primary and preventive services and lower use of acute, inpatient hospital services. It is also recognition of opportunities for prevention, screening and early intervention in diabetes and other chronic diseases. I think that with diabetes education will also show the importance of multidisciplinary tem care. With a suitable diabetes education the person with diabetes will know how to manage their diabetes on a daily basis. Educating diabetic is enabling people to “live with diabetes not suffer from it”, anyhow diabetes is a non-reversible disease. The purpose of diabetes education is to modify the lifestyle and prevent possible complications in diabetic patients. In addition, nurses play a vital role in empowering patients to better manage their diabetes through self-care by providing them and their families with the required information and skills. Medical intervention alone is insufficient to improve diabetes outcomes, thus educating the patient is also very imperative. Diabetes education: * Facilitates patient’s understanding of their condition * Make them aware of the risks and benefits of lifestyle choices and treatment options * Supports them to make informed choices Patient education helps people with diabetes to improve their knowledge, skills, and confidence, enabling them to take increasing control of their own condition and integrate effective self-management into their daily lives. Who can be a diabetes educator' Any health staff involved in the education, care and management of people with diabetes namely: * Nursing officers * Medical practitioners * Nutritionists * Pharmacists * Dentists * Psychologists * Paramedical staff Furthermore, diabetes education is a planned life long process, starting from the point of diagnosis and remaining an essential component of diabetes care thereafter. Family members also should be included in the education process. The diabetes education approach is more patient centered and places the person with diabetes and his family at the center of the health care professionals’ team. Immediately after diagnosis, people with diabetes should be offered an explanation on diabetes and its management on a one-to-one basis. We must allow the patient some time to explore the impact of diabetes on their life, the implications on their current lifestyle and the type of treatment the patient will have to follow. Moreover, we as diabetes educator we must provide each patient with oral and written information about diabetes and its management in an appropriate language. Supplement with posters, pamphlets and any other educational material as part of the structured education program can also be distributed. At each point of the care pathway the educator should encourage discussion, participation and feedback with the patient. The main duty of the diabetes educator is to develop a working cooperation with the diabetic to enhance and support their capacity to self-care. Here are some essential standards for an education program. The program must be: * Patient centred * Evidence based * Flexible to the needs of the individual * Dynamic * Users should be involved in its development * Different teaching methods should be used * Supporting materials * Be written down * Built in monitoring and evaluating mechanism For each person with diabetes we should develop an individual care plan. The care plan must include: * Basic information about patient * The names and contacts of all members forming part of the diabetes team * Important dates (such as for appointments and blood tests dates) * Body measurements (weight, height, BMI and waist circumference) * Records of physical activity (if patient is doing any) * Diet (tailored made diet if need be for the patient) * Record of medications Besides, I consider that people with diabetes should be offered the opportunity to participate in group education sessions and also they should be encouraged to maintain regular contact with members of the primary health care team. Effective self-management and a good quality of life are the key outcomes of diabetes education, and should be measured and monitored as part of the care. There should be an evaluation system to assess the person’s attainment of self-management goals and progress toward realisation of clinical targets. An in built monitoring system will help to point out breaches in the care plan. These should be adjusted at each stage. As a diabetes educator we must explain to the person with diabetes about the nature of diabetes so as for him to be able to prevent any complications arising from diabetes, such that the patient must be able to: * Understand diabetes * Know what are the implications of a diagnosis of diabetes * Identify short-term and long-term consequences of poorly controlled diabetes * Prevent long-term complications * Recognise the importance of annual surveillance for complications The person with diabetes must also know the importance of a healthy lifestyle such that: * Taking a balanced diet and also the timing of meals (avoid sugary foods and drinks, pastries, oily foods, and also restrict the use of saturated fats) * Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes of exercise daily) * The relationship between blood glucose levels, dietary intake and physical activity (regular exercise has been shown to improve blood glucose control, reduce cardiovascular risk factors) * Maintain a healthy weight (the BMI <25, weight circumference <80cm in females and <90cm in males) * Patient should stop smoking, and ( it has been proven that smoking raises the blood sugar level, and also increases the complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, eye and kidney disease, foot complications) * Reducing or stopping alcohol intake (alcohol causes the blood sugar level to fluctuate, and it can interfere with the effects of oral medications and insulin) Person with diabetes must also be given education on the compliance of medications. If a diabetic does not take his medications as prescribed, hence he is increasing his risk for complications. Patient must be aware of: * The aims and different types of treatment * Oral hypoglycaemic agent * For those on insulin injection frequency of injections Adjusting insulin dosage Injections sites Storage of insulin vials Disposal of sharps * Patient must continue with his other medications such as anti-hypertensive drugs and lipids lowering drugs * Balance between food intake and amount of daily medication We must teach patient how to check his blood sugar and thus, he will be able to self-monitor his diabetes. Diabetic must be able to: * Interpret the results of self-monitoring and tests of long-term blood glucose control * Monitor for symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia (during hypo diabetic may have weakness, hunger, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, and vision. And during hyper patient may have polyphagia, polyuria, dryness of the mouth, blurred vision, and also lethargy) * Check his glucose level regularly as this will show if the insulin or other diabetes medicines is working * Observe how physical activity, foods, or stress affects blood sugar * Blood sugar can be tested at bedtime and on waking up Before meals or large snacks 1 or 2 hours before meals Before or after physical activity A proper monitoring of blood sugar level will help in preventing complications. People with diabetes must be informed about the complications of diabetes and also they must be educated about how these complications can be prevented. Complications can be avoided by: * Having a good control of blood glucose * Having a good control of blood pressure * Having a good control of plasma lipids * Advising to stop smoking * Regular examination of the feet * Regular examination of the eyes * Educating patient about care of foot Person with diabetes must be given an appropriate teaching on foot care as the major complication of diabetes is amputation and the risk factors for amputation are: * Peripheral neuropathy (loss of protective sensation) * Peripheral vascular disease (reduce blood circulation) * Infection * Deformity of any part of the foot (such as callus, corns or even injury) * History of previous foot ulcer Associated factors in foot care education are: * Poor control of blood sugar * Long duration of diabetes * Poor vision * Smoking * Low socio-economic condition * Poor educational status To prevent this complication person with diabetes can: * Wash the feet in warm water and with a mild soap (be cautious as the water must not be HOT) * Dry with a soft towel, specially between toes (talcum powder can also be used to absorb moisture in the feet) * Do not soak the feet * Apply baby oil or moisturising cream if the skin is dry, but be sure not to apply in between toes * Nails should be cut across and filed at the corners * Feet should be examined daily for cuts, sores, blisters, or redness. * Make use of a mirror so as to be able to see the soles of the feet * If there is any appearance of corns or calluses patient must seek professional advice There are other factors also which are useful in the education of foot care: * Choose soft sock made of cotton or wool which will absorb moisture in the feet * Socks must be change daily * Avoid using socks with seams, or mended socks * Avoid wearing socks which are too tight * Shoes must be comfortable and well-fitted * Shoes must be bought in the evening when the feet are largest * Avoid shoes with high heels and pointed toes * Wear well-fitted low-heeled shoes with wide toe boxes Also people with diabetes must make sure: * Never to walk barefoot even indoors (as it increases the risk of injury and the pressure under the foot) * Feet must not be placed near direct heat or on hot surfaces * Avoid legs crossing while sitting (as this may cause pressure on nerves and blood vessel) Person with diabetes must take much precautions with their health as they are easily prone to infection, and thus during cold season they have to be more careful. In winter diabetic are easy prey to influenza, flu, pneumonia, and these can be prevented by proper immunisation. Due to stress of illness, trauma or frequent surgery aggravates glycaemic control and may precipitate diabetic ketoacidosis. We must advice patient on the: * Importance of continuing to take insulin or tablets (in fact they may need to increase the dosage) * Regular testing of blood for glucose if patient is on insulin * Patient must drink a lot of water (at least 3liters daily) * Patient can contact health care personnel if need of advice is needed Least but not last, we must tell the people with diabetes that diabetes cannot YET be cured, but it can be managed. We can support diabetic by telling them that they are not alone, and that we will work together as a team to help him to manage his diabetes. The active involvement of people with diabetes in the provision of their own care is the cornerstone of a good diabetes care. This requires the provision of effective, on-going education and support to the patient. It is important for us as diabetes educator to recognise the importance of the individual’s lifestyle, culture and religion. We will help the person with diabetes as best as we can. MODULE: The role of the diabetes educator TITLE : write a reflective paper on diabetes educator COURSE ASSESSOR: Dr Mrs S.Aboobakar ASSESSING BODY : Mauritius institute of health Submitted on:27/june/2012 Prepared by:MIH/DSN/0506