A case study has shown how inequality in access to diabetes technologies has been overcome though a Diabetes Intervention Worker Pilot by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
The Trust had found significant inequality in access to diabetes technologies – both insulin pumps and real-time continuous glucose monitors (rtCGM) – as a result of socioeconomic deprivation.
A ‘diabetes intervention worker’ (DIW) role was piloted, seconded from the Family Intervention Service (FIS), to better understand and address barriers to technology. Interventions included direct work with young people and families, provision of mobile phones, laptops and SIM cards, plus team focus on promoting technologies to all patient groups.
These actions resulted in a significant increase in pump and rtCGM use, a resolution of inequality in technology use, plus a corresponding reduction in median HbA1c.
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