Bodil Rasmussen, Australia

Deakin University Faculty of Health
Professor Bodil Rasmussen is Chair in Nursing and Director for the Centre for Nursing Research in the Western Health Partnership, Melbourne, Australia. Her research program comprises two arms, empowering people with chronic and multi-morbidity to self-manage by using technologies and implementation of research evidence into practice; numerous projects involved multi-disciplinary and international teams. She is acknowledged as an international leader in diabetes research and education. She holds Adjunct Professorial appointments the Universities of Copenhagen and Southern Denmark, Denmark and serves on national committees that inform policies at Australian Health Policy Collaboration: Self-Care Expert using technologies and ADEA Diabetes Education. Her expertise is recognised by invitation as a reviewer for the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Diabetes UK, Danish Diabetes Academy and Danish National Research Foundation. Rasmussen has led multi-disciplinary local and international teams, including collaboration with the prestigious Steno Diabetes, Denmark. She currently leads 8 e-Health teams and 16 other projects to improve health services for people with diabetes and multi-morbidities. She has a strong track record in diabetes and chronic condition research and attracted over $4.3mill in national and international research funding. She is frequently invited as keynote speaker at national and international diabetes.

Presenter of 1 Presentation

ORAL PRESENTATION SESSION

AN INNOVATIVE ONLINE SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM TO IMPROVE SELF-MANAGEMENT IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

Abstract

Background and Aims

Background: For young adults with type 1 diabetes (YAWD), it can be difficult to manage diabetes due to competing lifestyles and work commitments. The Guided Self-determination (GSD) method is an evidence-based self-management program that aims to improve motivation to make positive lifestyle changes.

The study aim was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the online GSD program in improving diabetes self-management skills among YAWD.

Methods

Methods Nine Diabetes Educators (DEs) attended a 1.5 day face-to-face training course. YAWD aged 18 to 30 were recruited from a Young Adults Diabetes Service clinic, from Consumer organisation and from University student forums. DEs completed the online GSD program flexibly with YAWD over 3 to 6 months. Online validated surveys measures of autonomy, competency and communication with healthcare providers were completed by YAWD before and after participation. Follow-up surveys invited comments on YAWDs’ and DEs’ experience of the program and DEs participated in a focus group.

Results

Results 15 young adults have completed the program. DEs indicated that the program has changed the way they communicate with their clients, and that the online GSD approach was most successful when applied flexibly, to suit YAWDS’ preferred time of day, learning style and mode of conversation (eg telephone versus videoconferencing).

Conclusions

Conclusions. The online GSD program is feasible; efficacy in improving self-management skills has yet to be assessed in a larger sample of YAWD, however, has the potential to empower YAWD to improve diabetes care and facilitate access to healthcare 24/7 and regardless of location.

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