Diabetes Scotland’s Judith Kennon reflects on why a holistic approach to type 2 diabetes prevention and the involvement of community organisations and people living with diabetes are important.
Diabetes Scotland has been working with stakeholders in Inverclyde to collaborate and innovate around type 2 diabetes prevention.
Why Inverclyde? Because the latest Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation data shows Inverclyde has the largest local share of deprived areas in Scotland, with Greenock town centre currently recorded as the most deprived area in the country.
Health System Engagement Manager Judith Kennon, who is leading this work explains:
“We know that deprivation is a key factor in diabetes inequality. We also recognise that type 2 diabetes cannot be prevented using current health systems, programmes, or medical models of care alone. It’s a complex issue requiring a holistic approach and an understanding of the social determinants of health.
“So, looking to play a part in pioneering solutions to this challenge, I’ve been collaborating with Healthcare Improvement Scotland on adopting what’s called a Human Learning Systems approach to systems change. At the heart of this approach is the principle that public service exists to support human flourishing, and that thinking in systems – understanding things as connected and interdependent – leads to better outcomes for all.
“I also recognise that to improve type 2 diabetes prevention work, we must ensure discussion around diabetes care includes community organisations and people living with diabetes.”
Judith reached out to organisations and individuals working in Inverclyde to build an understanding of work already underway locally to support people living in the area, not just those living with or at risk of diabetes but also to support physical and mental wellbeing as well as initiatives that support those living in poverty.
Two events held so far, one in person last October and one online in February this year, have linked experts and influencers from the community with health system leaders, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health practitioners and Community Link Workers.
At the first event, Diana Hekerem, Health Improvement Scotland posed the need for a shift of emphasis whereby leaders focus not on managing current health systems to ‘go faster’ but instead ask people what is happening in their lives and what matters to them, and in response put in place support that is more holistic, enabling individuals to meet challenges intrinsically linked to health and wellbeing and thrive.
Participants heard how a brand-new Diabetes Specialist Midwife (DSM) role has been introduced in Inverclyde by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. DSMs identify and support all eligible women to access screening for gestational diabetes, and as named midwives for all women with the condition, they provide continuity of care, supporting referrals to post-natal weight management services as part of Scottish Government Type 2 Prevention Programme.
The gatherings have sparked interest in and commitment to joining dots locally and co-designing new ways of working and learning.
At the February event, Diabetes Specialist Midwife Nicola McLachlan told participants she has since linked with community project Inverclyde Bothy to offer buggy walks to postpartum women with gestational diabetes and about plans to expand this test of change to also include antenatal health walks.
Nicola also said she will continue to work collaboratively with local infant feeding advisors and health visitors and updated on new plans to link in with GPs to support women with gestational diabetes to get their post-natal HbA1c checks.
Feedback from the sessions held so far includes: “Good to learn more about how we can work together to break down potential barriers”, “Great opportunity to make links with people and organisations who I otherwise might not have met”, “Lots of small changes can lead to bigger change”.
Read about the first event and event report and if you have any questions, or would like to explore working with Diabetes Scotland in your area, email Judith.kennon@diabetes.org.uk
Judith Kennon is the Health System Engagement Manager at Diabetes Scotland
