LIVINGLIVING
In a recent blog entitled Managing
Diabetes at Home, the New Normal,
Angelina Thorne, marketing manager
with Spirit Health writes, "COVID-19 has
presented the healthcare community with
new challenges but also opportunities
for changing the pathways to support
our vulnerable patients in both the acute
and community setting. People with
diabetes fall into the high-risk category
for contracting COVID-19, and those
infected are at a greater risk of developing
emergency states of hyperglycaemia
and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). New
guidelines have been developed across
the healthcare system, including care
homes, to support healthcare workers
in recognising complications and provide
guidance on treatment pathways.
"At home people with diabetes may
benefit from monitoring blood ketones to
spot the early signs of developing DKA.
We are supporting people at home to
better understand better how to measure
their blood ketone levels. As in-person
education is on hold, online options are
now delivered by our trained educators in
a 'virtual' clinic.
As it is vital that people with diabetes
continue to adhere to their medicines
routines as advised by their healthcare
professionals and online pharmacy, Spirit
Pharmacy, is an easy, reliable way to get
their prescribed items. We have a special
interest in diabetes and provide patients
with access to educational support.
"We are supporting CCGs and patients
by making the CareSens Dual meter,
which tests for both glucose and ketones,
more accessible. We are supplying GP
practices with additional stocks of meters
and patients can contact us directly to
request a free meter, which is posted to
their home. You can watch a demo video
of the CareSens Dual meter or call the 24/7
freephone number to speak to someone to
SPIRIT HEALTH (brands)
help with their meter.
"Diabetes education is recommended
for all newly diagnosed patients. With
group programmes suspended until
further notice, Spirit has moved its national
Empower programme for patients with
Type 2 diabetes online, with courses
delivered by our educators to small groups
of patients in the comfort and safety of
their own home. CCG commissioners
have welcomed this move which ensure
that patients receive the support and
guidance they need. Feedback from
people attending the virtual sessions has
been positive.
"Meanwhile our product, CliniTouch Vie
enables remote monitring for vulnerable
people with long-term conditions and
those discharged from hospital. This can
be done from the safety of their home and
helps care teams to prioritise those most
in need through vital sign monitoring and
assisted triage. It may also be possible for
some people to utilise remote monitoring
where appropriate. This can include
using video and telephone consultations,
tracking patient vital signs, general health
and wellbeing."
www.spirit-digital.co.uk
Angelina Thorne
Feedback from
people attending the
virtual sessions has
been positive.
"