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The following is a summary of “Prioritizing Patient Experiences in the Management of Diabetes and Its Complications: An Endocrine Society Position Statement,” published in the May 2024 issue of Endocrinology by Kalyani, et al.
Managing diabetes can be a challenging journey for both patients with diabetes (PWD) and their caregivers. Despite the uniqueness of each person’s experience with diabetes, common themes emerge in navigating this chronic condition. However, the perspectives of PWD have not always been fully integrated into the implementation of recommended standards of diabetes care. Healthcare providers (HCPs) need to understand the viewpoints of PWD to achieve optimal health outcomes. Although tools existed to support patient-centered care, they were often underutilized.
This statement summarized insights from multistakeholder expert roundtable discussions convened by the Endocrine Society. The discussions aimed to identify gaps in diabetes management and complications and highlight tools necessary to empower HCPs and PWD to address these challenges. Delegates from professional societies, governmental organizations, patient advocacy groups, and social enterprises participated in the roundtables, all committed to enhancing the lives of PWD.
Each section of the discussion presented a clinical scenario as a framework for achieving desired health outcomes, along with resources for HCPs to deliver patient-centered care in practice. As diabetes management continues to evolve, developing new tools to support HCPs in assisting PWD is crucial. Moreover, strategies for the efficient adoption of these tools in clinical settings are needed to minimize provider burden.
Crucially, coordination among various stakeholders—PWD, HCPs, caregivers, policymakers, and payers—is essential at all stages of the patient journey. The study ensured that the needs of PWD were addressed comprehensively and effectively.