The Path Forward

Abstract

some days it feels as if we are sprinting to the end of 2018. it’s been a busy time for the Association with the launch of DANA (DANAtech.org), an amazing AADe18 in Baltimore, and so many member accomplishments on the local and national levels. And underlying all of this has been a progression toward a new vision for the specialty. As we move into 2019 and keep up the work we’ve started, it’s important to take a moment and ask ourselves, are we on the path to excellence in diabetes education and care? is what we are doing effective, timely, and impactful? And how does it all connect back to our passion, our vision, and mission? These are questions we might ask ourselves in our own places of employment from time to time. As an association, let’s talk about how what we have done this year fits together. First, it’s important to take notice of what we are doing in our day-to-day lives. We are the front lines of the diabetes care team and the model for person-centered care, typically spending more time with our patients than anyone else on the team. We get to know them, befriend them, celebrate their achievements, and grieve their losses. We listen to their fears and work through challenges to create care plans that are uniquely tailored to their needs, culture, beliefs, and lifestyle. With so much technology being integrated into diabetes management, we have become tech consultants and data analyzers for our patients, helping them use their personal data to best manage their diabetes. Yes, diabetes education is a part of what we do, but we provide so much more. That is why we have been deeply engaged in an initiative within AADe for the past couple of years to understand the global roles, skills, and impact of diabetes educators and specialists. our market analysis dissected and revealed all the areas of care and education we are providing our patients, the care team, and health system. We identified where our profession is headed and what AADe as a member association can provide to help all of us best serve our patients. in 2017, the AADe Board of Directors engaged a brand marketing firm to create a vision for the specialty and a plan for the future using survey data and input from key stakeholders. Through input from members, sister organizations, payors, providers, people with diabetes, industry partners, and credentialing bodies, we were able to create an overarching vision: to drive optimal outcomes through the integration of diabetes clinical management, education, prevention, and support. This vision is underscored and supported by six major strategies that will have a positive impact on our specialty. These strategies provide a path forward for AADe and diabetes educators and include: leveraging technology-driven diabetes care and education, incorporating diabetes and cardiometabolic-related conditions, integrating diabetes self-management education and support into clinical management and care plans, focusing on patient engagement and person-centered care, supporting the quadruple aim of health care, and promoting and integrating behavioral health to improve quality of life. each of these strategies will directly impact the resources AADe will roll out in late 2018 and beyond. one you might already be familiar with is DANA. DANA: Diabetes Advanced Network Access launched in August 2018 and has quickly become an integral tool for AADe members. it was born from the need for a central hub for diabetes device and technology information, training, and continued support. This gap was initially identified by AADe members and was put into motion by the 20172018 AADe Board of Directors. Using DANA will help diabetes specialists be the very best resource for people with diabetes and cement our role in the future of diabetes care. As AADe and our many stakeholders look at a vision for the profession, your input is much needed and requested. We may change what we call ourselves and shift how we engage with the diabetes care team, and your voice will be critical in that process. Watch your email for surveys and announcements over the next few months and provide your thoughts and comments as we are on this journey together. in the next couple of months, i’ll wrap up my year as your 2018 president. it has been an energizing experience getting to meet you, engage with you, and be a part of the development of a vision that will catapult our specialty into the future. i am so thankful for a Board of Directors that really gets the specialty and understands what needs to be done to ensure a brighter future and for a president-elect who couldn’t be more qualified. i look forward to all the amazing things Karen Kemmis will bring to the role as your 2019 president. Until we meet again soon, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time, energy, and commitment. n Hello, I’m DANA.