New service connects regional GPs to specialised diabetes expertise

In response to the fast-growing number of diabetes cases in Western Australia, Diabetes WA recently launched Diabetes Connect, designed to empower regional GPs to access specialised support and improve patient outcomes.

Every month, at least 750 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in WA, adding to the already substantial burden on our healthcare system; a burden felt most acutely in the State’s regional areas. To ease the pressure on country GPs, Diabetes WA has co-designed the Diabetes Connect service, with input from GPs, tertiary hospitals and people living with diabetes.

GPs will now be able to quickly and easily consult with expert endocrinologists, empowering them to support complex cases, while reducing long wait times for specialist appointments and enhancing access to diabetes care.

A team of Diabetes WA endocrinologists will be available for consultations four days a week. The initiative is expected to reduce outpatient wait times, which currently extend up to 255 days, and alleviate the annual cost of hospitalisations associated with diabetes, estimated at $43 million.

Research has revealed that the full impact on our healthcare system from the current delays in West Australians receiving the expert diabetes care they need include:

• • $43 million spent annually on hospitalisations related to diabetes;
  • more than 22,000 outpatient appointments per year, costing an additional $5.8 million;
  • and up to 6,000 hospitalisations per year, averaging four days each.

Diabetes WA CEO Melanie Gates said Diabetes Connect was designed in consultation with regional GPs to ensure it meets their needs.

“GPs do a fantastic job and are the ideal first point of contact for West Australians living with diabetes,” Melanie said.

“But our conversations with GPs tells us that many feel overwhelmed, overburdened and frustrated.

“We know that patients living in regional areas would rather see their GP instead of having to wait up to 255 days for an appointment somewhere else. This new service will empower country GPs by making expert endocrinology more accessible, so they are in the best possible position to help their patients.”

Western Australians living with diabetes have also expressed frustration with long wait times to see specialists.

The Diabetes Connect service offers:

• • direct phone access for regional GPs to a consultant endocrinologist for advice;
  • virtual multidisciplinary case conferencing with the Diabetes Connect endocrinologist and diabetes educator;
  • practice support and mentoring from diabetes educators on insulin therapy and the latest technology;
  • a comprehensive resource hub for diabetes education; and
  • diabetes programs and services that can be integrated into GP practice systems to improve awareness and accessibility.

Dr Damien Zilm, an AMA (WA) member and a regional GP based in Meekatharra, said that the service promises to greatly improve the capacity of GPs to provide up-to-date and expert advice to those in their care.

“Diabetes can be a complex condition that can require significant time and multidisciplinary team-based input. This is an easy solution to accessing highly specialised care, which is often difficult to access within primary care,” Dr Zilm said.

“The Diabetes Connect service means that GPs can feel supported by their non-GP specialist colleagues in a team environment. This helps people manage their diabetes, while hopefully sparing patients from having to travel to access the advice and support they need.”

The Diabetes Connect service has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Primary Health Networks program.

Doctors can call 9436 6270 or book online at diabeteswa.com.au/diabetes-connect-for-country-wa.