A Diabetic Self-Management Education Program in Appling County
The need has been recognized for diabetic education in Appling County.
Appling HealthCare System feels an obligation as well as a desire to be an educational
resource for the diabetic. The American Diabetes Association is nationally known for its
relentless pursuit of quality care for the diabetic. It’s national standards for the
Diabetes Self-Management Education Program is the criteria for which the program is based.
We at Appling HealthCare feel this program is
" Another Way to Bring Care Close to Home."
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder. Those affected by it must
learn self-management skills and make life-style changes if they are to effectively manage
the disease process. There are many complications, such as heart disease, blindness,
kidney failure, etc., that can be avoided or at least delayed if the diabetic will allow
him/herself to be educated in self-management.
To be a certified program with the American Diabetes Association 22
standards have to be met. These 22 standards encompass three areas: Structure, Process and
Outcomes. Under the Structure component, an advisory committee must be formed to include a
physician, nurse educator, certified diabetic educator, dietitian, social worker,
community representative that is not an employee of the hospital system, and a diabetic
from the community. The committee may be composed of a larger number of representatives if
the organization desires. Appling HealthCare’s Advisory Committee includes:
- Physician – Dr. Orlando Fernando and Dr. Teresa Cezar
- Nurse Educator – Judy Aycock, RN, BSN
- Certified Diabetic Educator – John Glenn, RPh.
- Dietitian – Judy Stewart, RD
- Social Worker – Glenda Purvis
- Community Representative – Elaine Tuten
- Diabetic from the Community – Armon Griffis
- Health Department Representative – Ilene Eunice, RN
- Podiatrist – Dr. Reagin
The Process and Outcomes component of the program involves educating the
diabetic and evaluating the effectiveness of the program. After a year’s worth of
data are collected, application for certification can be initiated.
1997 statistics from the Department of Human Resources showed Appling
County had 480 confirmed cases of diabetes with approximately that many more unconfirmed
cases. Of all the deaths in the County, 21.7% were from the complications of diabetes.
There were 31 hospital admissions with a total of 206 hospital days costing over $413,000.
Appling County has a need – Appling HealthCare System wants to meet
that need.
For more information on this program, please contact Judy Aycock, RN,
BSN at (912) 367-9841, ext. 7282. |
