The Diabetes Care Program Of Nova Scotia (DCPNS) plays a vital role in the province’s healthcare system. It is dedicated to fostering integrated strategies for both the prevention and effective management of diabetes across Nova Scotia. This province-wide initiative operates under the umbrella of Nova Scotia Health (NSH) and Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support.
As a cornerstone program within the Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management Network at Nova Scotia Health, DCPNS benefits from the guidance of medical advisors, active working groups, and dedicated committees. A team of approximately 6.5 full-time equivalent staff members diligently supports the program’s operations and objectives.
Our Vision, Mandate, and Services for Diabetes Care
Explore the History of DCPNS | Key Performance Indicators for Diabetes Management | NS Insulin Pump Education Day Information | Patient Education Resources | Visit the Official Website
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Our Vision: A Healthier Life for Nova Scotians Affected by Diabetes
The Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia envisions a future where every Nova Scotian, whether living with, affected by, or at risk of developing diabetes, receives the necessary support to achieve their healthiest possible life. This vision is rooted in collaboration and a commitment to proactive and comprehensive diabetes care.
Our Mandate: Standardizing and Enhancing Diabetes Care Across Nova Scotia
The mandate of the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia is multifaceted and designed to improve diabetes care at every level within the province. Key aspects of our mandate include:
- Standardizing High-Quality Care: Ensuring consistent and excellent diabetes care delivery across all Diabetes Centres in Nova Scotia. This standardization aims to reduce disparities in care and improve patient outcomes throughout the province.
- Integrated Prevention and Management: Supporting the implementation of integrated strategies that address both the prevention of diabetes and the effective management of existing cases. This dual approach is crucial for reducing the overall burden of diabetes in Nova Scotia.
- Service Delivery Model Guidance: Providing expert advice on effective and efficient service delivery models for diabetes care. This includes optimizing resource allocation and ensuring services are accessible and patient-centered.
- Clinical Practice Guideline Promotion: Supporting healthcare providers in adopting and implementing the latest clinical practice guidelines for diabetes care. This ensures that care is evidence-based and reflects current best practices.
- Diabetes-Related Information Hub: Monitoring and disseminating crucial diabetes-related information for Nova Scotia. This encompasses:
- Program Evaluation: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of diabetes programs and initiatives.
- Quality Improvement: Continuously seeking opportunities to enhance the quality of diabetes care services.
- Research: Encouraging and supporting research efforts to advance diabetes understanding and treatment.
- Surveillance: Tracking diabetes prevalence, trends, and related health indicators across Nova Scotia to inform public health strategies.
Our Services: Comprehensive Support for Patients and Providers
The Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia offers a wide range of services aimed at supporting both individuals living with diabetes and the healthcare professionals who care for them. These services are designed to enhance diabetes management and improve health outcomes:
- Data Access and Analysis: Providing access to local, regional, and provincial diabetes data, along with data analysis support and reporting. This empowers healthcare providers and policymakers with the information needed for informed decision-making.
- Knowledge Translation and Education: Facilitating access to new knowledge and knowledge translation resources, including certification programs such as insulin dose adjustment training. This ensures healthcare professionals are up-to-date with the latest advancements in diabetes care.
- Diabetes Centre Grants: Offering grants to Diabetes Centres to support quality improvement projects and initiatives. These grants help centres enhance their services and implement innovative approaches to care.
- Expertise and Consultation: Providing diabetes expertise, including consultation on program planning and evaluation. This service supports the development and implementation of effective diabetes programs across the province.
- Enhanced Networking: Fostering stronger networks across and between various programs and provider groups involved in diabetes care. This promotes collaboration and shared learning to improve care coordination.
- Special Populations and Co-morbidities Support: Offering practice supports specifically tailored for special populations and individuals with co-morbidities. This ensures that diverse patient needs are addressed with specialized care approaches.
- Provincial Policy and Procedures: Developing and maintaining provincial policies and procedures related to diabetes care. This provides a standardized framework for care delivery across Nova Scotia.
- Standardized Documentation and Referral Forms: Providing standardized documentation and referral forms to streamline processes and improve communication within the healthcare system.
Our History: 25 Years of Dedication to Improving Diabetes Care
Established in 1991, the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia has a rich history of commitment to improving diabetes care. Initially, DCPNS was one of nine Provincial Programs funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
In its formative years, DCPNS was tasked with the crucial mission of standardizing and optimizing the care provided by Diabetes Centres throughout Nova Scotia. This objective was achieved through several key initiatives:
- Standardized Documentation: Development of standardized documentation forms tailored for adult, pediatric, and pregnant populations with diabetes.
- Guideline and Practice Development: Creation of comprehensive guideline documents and recommended practice approaches to ensure consistent and evidence-based care.
- Knowledge Transfer and Exchange: Implementation of knowledge transfer and exchange opportunities to facilitate learning and best practice sharing among healthcare providers.
- DCPNS Registry Implementation: Establishment of the DCPNS Registry and a common statistics-keeping framework to monitor diabetes trends and program effectiveness.
Throughout its history, DCPNS has focused on building and sustaining expertise at the local level, ensuring that high-quality diabetes care is accessible as close to home as possible for individuals living with diabetes in Nova Scotia.
Download the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia – Celebrating 25 Years of Improving Care Document (PDF, 922 KB)
Key Performance Indicators: Measuring Progress in Diabetes Care
Access the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia 2022-2027 Action Plan Overview
Review the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia KPI Framework: Optimizing Diabetes Care for Nova Scotians
