DESMOND - Does it deliver for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People? — Agentur Pty Ltd
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  3. DESMOND - Does it deliver for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People?

DESMOND - Does it deliver for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People? (148)

Asha Singh 1 , Helen Mitchell 1 , Timothy Skinner 2 , Jodie Hurd 1 , Debbie Schofield 1 , Jennifer Sweeting 1 , Jenny Duff 1 , Kylie Mahony 1 , Sue Stockdale 1 , Kelly Baxter 1
  1. Diabetes WA, Subiaco, WA, Australia
  2. Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia

Background:

Despite the high rates of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications in Aboriginal communities there is a lack of evidence-based, consistently delivered, diabetes self-management programs designed for, and targeted at, Aboriginal people. 

The DESMOND (Diabetes Education Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed) program is an evidence-based, quality diabetes self-management program. This project aims to determine if the DESMOND approach improves diabetes outcomes and has a cultural fit in Aboriginal communities.

Methods:

The DESMOND approach to diabetes education is unique in that participants are not 'taught' in a traditional, formal way. Instead, participants are supported to discover and unearth knowledge and to share their stories, which in turn informs management of their own individual diabetes.

Diabetes WA have commenced a trial of the DESMOND program with Aboriginal Communities in the Perth metropolitan area and regional WA.

Results/Discussions:

Qualitative data was collected following the pilot sessions. Preliminary results show the DESMOND approach is well received by Aboriginal people. Parts of the program that were particularly well received include open discussion, story sharing and hands on activities.

Some aspects of the program delivery were challenging and recommendations are likely to include these being adapted. These include the length of the program (6 hours) and the need for participants to bring bio-medical results to the sessions to inform goal setting activities.

Conclusions/implications:

Adapting the DESMOND program to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has the potential to slow the progression of diabetes, reduce Hba1c levels, blood pressure, weight, blood lipid levels, smoking status and increase physical activity levels, which in turn could lead to a reduction in diabetes-related complications.

Additionally the success or failure of the DESMOND approach in an Aboriginal context will have implications for other chronic disease and self-management programs. Preliminary qualitative data has being positive.

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