Allied health follow-up services for a person who is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
Article by Services Australia
Were you aware?
Temporary MBS items are available to CDEs and other allied health practitioners to deliver vital health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Australians residing in Residential Aged Care Facilities. To access these allied health services, the patient must have had a health assessment. The temporary COVID-19 MBS items are available until 30 June 2022.
To support CDEs and other allied health practitioners, Services Australia has a customised infographic that conveniently lists the available allied health services, along with the relevant face-to-face MBS service items. Click here to read more about allied health follow up services.
Allied health follow-up services for a person who is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
Allied health follow-up services for a person who is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
Looking for learning resources?
The Health Professional Education Resources Gateway has a great range of educational resources that assist allied health practitioners to provide services under MBS programs and initiatives. To access these educational products, follow these simple steps:
in your browser search com/index
select play to continue,
then select the Health Professional Education Resources Gateway link
Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) are Australia’s ‘go to’ qualified healthcare specialists for people with diabetes. They are healthcare practitioners qualified to provide a personalised approach to diabetes education and care. They work with other healthcare practitioners and provide services to people with diabetes, empowering and assisting them in dealing with daily self-management.
The CDE of the Year Awards recognise and acknowledge outstanding CDEs and their extraordinary contributions to their communities. These CDEs have excelled in the provision of high-quality diabetes education, and consistently work to empower those with diabetes. This award program is run by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association and financially supported by Eli Lilly.
Winners are nominated by their peers and colleagues and selected based on criteria of excellence. Each state and territory is eligible for a winner, and from this pool, a national winner is selected to receive the prestigious ‘Jan Baldwin National CDE of the Year’ title. State winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The national Jan Baldwin winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity to speak at the 2021 Australasian Diabetes Congress.
National winner: The CDE of the Year 2021 is Mark Shah
The CDE of the Year 2021 is Mark Shah. Mark is also the Western Australian CDE of the Year 2021.
Mark has worked as a Registered Nurse for the past 23 years and as a CDE for 18 years. His nursing career started at Royal Perth Hospital, where he cared for many people living with the complications of diabetes. After some years working as a dialysis nurse, an opportunity opened up within diabetes where Mark was mentored and encouraged to do further studies.
He became a CDE in 2003 and quickly learned about the optimism of technology, new treatments and the everyday struggles of living with diabetes.
Ever keen to learn more, Mark enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner program and became an endorsed NP in 2006. The following year he moved to Princess Margaret Hospital to start the work he continues today, working as an NP and CDE.
He now cares for children with all diabetes types, particularly youth onset type 2 diabetes where he is also collaborating on several research studies.
Congratulations on this well-deserved award and thank you for your contribution to the diabetes community, Mark.
New South Wales CDE of the Year: Annette Parkes-Considine
Annette started her Nursing career as an AIN 30yrs ago. She then did her EEN training before attending University to become an RN, then a CDE. Annette is a proud nurse who has always advocated for her patients having lived experience with Type 1 Diabetes. Today she works at Hunter Diabetes Centre where she provides education and support to all patients living with this chronic health condition. She loves diabetes technology as she can see the huge benefit it provides. Annette is also involved with several of the Clinical Trials run at Hunter Diabetes Centre. She enjoys being able to offer her patients tailored care to help improve their quality of life and reduce their burden. Annette also provides education and support to hospital staff and patients at a number of local private hospitals. She is particularly passionate about supporting adults with type 1 diabetes and facilitates a casual “type 1 catch up” once a month.
“I am extremely humbled by this nomination especially as I don’t see my career in Diabetes as being “work”. I consider myself very fortunate to be surrounded by my supportive family, the team of dedicated Doctors and Educators at Hunter Diabetes Centre and of course my awesome patients.”
Australian Capital Territory CDE of the Year: Katherine Sheppard
Katherine’s passion for diabetes education emerged whilst working as a practice nurse at Fisher Family Practice in the ACT. Here she realised there was a need for providing high-quality diabetes education and support. She has been working as a Registered Nurse for 20 years working in a variety of areas. Katherine completed her diabetes traineeship at The Canberra Hospital, where she had the opportunity to work throughout the diabetes service and gain exposure across the whole service. She then went on to work at Diabetes NSW & ACT, becoming an OzDAFNE facilitator. At Diabetes NSW & ACT, she worked with a supportive team who helped her gain a deeper understanding to be able to help clients by providing them with the tools to help them manage their diabetes. Katherine now works at ACT Health in a multi-disciplinary team. She often says how fortunate she is to be part of this team and to have a continual learning experience from both the clients and the team.
“Being awarded CDE of ACT for 2021 came as a complete surprise. It’s lovely to be acknowledged for the work we do as diabetes educators and [to know that] somebody has taken the time to put in the nomination. Katherine works in a fantastic team and the educators she works with equally share the commitment and enthusiasm for diabetes education.”
South Australia CDE of the Year: Cindy Tolba
Cindy is an Accredited Clinical Pharmacist and a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), who has always been passionate about diabetes. She has been involved in several committees and reestablished other networks, such as the Diabetes and Mental health Professionals Network (MHPN). She also formed the South Australian Pharmacist Diabetes Educators Network (SAPCN) with a colleague. These networks were designed to enhance the education of diabetes for other health professionals.
Cindy has been supporting students undergoing their 1000 credentialing hours. She does this by finding ways to improve their clinical diabetes work experience by connecting with South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) in Adelaide and empowering them to finish their credentialing. Cindy is currently working in several general practice clinics and has established a diabetes clinic in a community pharmacy.
“I am very honoured and humbled to have been acknowledged to receive this award and would to thank my colleagues for their ongoing support and mentorship for my own learning journey.”
Queensland CDE of the Year: Heike Krausse
Heike has been a Registered Nurse for 34 years, with a Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing Studies and a specialization in Diabetes Education and Management. Since 1999, Heike has worked as an ADEA CDE, working full time in tertiary/quaternary level health care organisations and maintaining ADEA member involvement at state and national levels. She has been the NSW and Queensland state conference organising chairs, programme and finance officer, chair of state and national conferences, and collaboratively involved in a variety of state and national diabetes-specific development papers, guidelines, programmes and policies. These state executive positions engaged her high-level organisation, communications, budgeting, and financial management skills, leading her to become an industry liaison and CDE career support. The supportive mentoring and industry relationships she encountered culminated in her becoming an ADEA Board Director from 2013-2018, and ADEA Finance Officer from 2015-2018. Her highest priority remains individualised support of adults with diabetes, for empowered self-management education and care.
“I am honoured to be nominated amongst many worthy peers. Through my nomination as Queensland CDE of the Year for 2021, I will continue to promote the individual empowerment approach for diabetes self-management. Technology is significantly beneficial for self-managed solutions; however, it is not as powerful as the underlying personal psychological, social and emotional resilience that managing diabetes requires.”
Victorian CDE of the Year: Angelica Rostov
Angelica arrived in Australia in 2001 from Russia with little English. Starting from English school for immigrants, she managed to build a successful career being a single mum as well. In 2005 she managed to get her registration as a pharmacist. During her preparation for exams and being a trainee pharmacist, she was also doing a postgraduate study, which she finished in 2006 with a graduate diploma in a clinical pharmacy. In 2007 Angelica was accredited to provide Medication management review, which she was doing since. During her job as an accredited pharmacist, she realised how little patients understand about diabetes. To increase her knowledge and provide a better education for patients, she completed her certificate in diabetes education at Deakin University. Angelica undertook her credential hours in a few places, including volunteer jobs in hospitals and diabetes camps. Angelica has worked as a CDE since 2017.
“I am very excited to win this award as a recognition of my hard work to become a CDE and my journey as a CDE. Every year I endeavour to maximise the education I undertake to provide my patients (and GP I am working with) with updated knowledge and excellence service”.
Tasmania CDE of the Year: Joanne Saunders
Jo has been working at the John Morris Diabetes Centre (JMDC) in Launceston Tasmania for over 20 years. JMDC is a busy unit serving the north of Tasmania for those with type 1 diabetes ( both children and adults), gestational diabetes and complex type 2 diabetes. She also worked in private practice for 8 years working across both areas. Jo was ADEA Tasmanian Branch Chair from 2010 to 2014. She still enjoys supporting Diabetes Tasmania’s Junior Camp each year.
“I feel fortunate that my work has allowed me to be a part of so many people’s lives. People who inspire me every day with how they manage and thrive with such a challenging condition. I am honoured that these same individuals have taken time in their busy lives to support my nomination for this award. I appreciate that immensely and thank them and my colleagues at JMDC.”
Diabetes and intellectual disability: new resources for consumers
2021-07-20
Adults with intellectual disabilities are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes.
However, there are limited diabetes-specific resources for this population. Due to the complexities of managing diabetes and a disability, it is important that people living with diabetes and an intellectual disability (and their carers) have access to easy to understand resources to help them manage their diabetes.
To meet this need, ADEA, funded by NDSS, has developed a series of 5 low literacy diabetes videos covering:
In addition to these videos, a pictorial information sheet titled choosing healthy foods is also available along with a series of 3 sets of diabetes visit cards (before, during and after a diabetes visit) which can be used to help prepare for visits to health professionals.
Trina Scott is a Clinic Nurse for the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in Brisbane. A proud Bundjalung woman who earned her RN qualifications while a mother of infant twins.
She has impressed the scholarship selection committee with her outstanding academic and work record.
‘I am passionate about nursing and believe that closing the health gap in the Indigenous community is my contribution to ensure that my mob lives their best life.
‘This scholarship means that I can pursue this area of interest with less financial pressure, and no extra HECS debt’, says Trina.
After hours Trina can be found by the water, coffee in hand, with her twins frolicking on the beautiful Redcliffe peninsula where home life and work life are one – a true community spirit.
We will keep you updated about new scholarship opportunities as they arise.
Diabetes and intellectual disability disorder: new online learning modules
Adults with intellectual disabilities are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes. However, there are limited diabetes-specific resources for this population. Due to the complexities of managing diabetes and a disability, it is important that health professionals and carers have the most relevant, up-to-date information to assist them in supporting a person with diabetes and a disability.
To meet this need, ADEA, funded by NDSS, has developed an online training program for health professionals: Tailor your communication skills: a training module for health professionals caring for adults with diabetes and an intellectual disability disorder.
Anyone working as part of the diabetes team will benefit from completing the training modules. To access them, please sign up for the learning portal on healthprofessionals.learnupon.com.
The modules are endorsed by ADEA for 4 CPD points. Other health professionals may be able to use these modules for CPD for their own profession.
Joint statement from Diabetes Australia, the ADS and ADEA
ADEA update as of 19 April 2021
ADEA acknowledges that many of the facts in this case have been clarified. (Please see the TGA statement here) However, the medical recommendation remains the same, as does the Government’s guidance.
The Government advises that for eligible people over the age of 50, the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks, and for those under the age of 50, the Pfizer vaccine is recommended. ADEA recommends that all individuals speak to their health provider about their personal situation.
ADEA wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Genene Norris on their tragic loss.
Joint statement from Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society and ADEA (16 April 2021)
There has been recent media coverage regarding the tragic death of a woman in New South Wales from blood clots. It has been reported that she had recently received a COVID-19 vaccine.
At this stage, it has not been confirmed that her death was linked to the vaccine. NSW Health has not confirmed if the woman was living with diabetes. Rather than speculating, it is appropriate we wait for the TGA to undertake its investigation to determine what role, if any, the vaccine had in her death.
Health experts advise that people with diabetes are not at higher risk of developing the very rare type of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Australian Government’s expert advice is that the risk of bloods clots with the AstraZeneca vaccine is very low.
The risk of severe COVID-19 illness for people with diabetes is far greater than the risk of complications with vaccines. The recommendation remains that adults with diabetes should get vaccinated. We encourage people with diabetes to talk to their doctor or other health professional about their personal circumstances.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide more information as we receive it.
Safety Notice – users of CGM while taking hydroxyurea
Medtronic and AMSL have issued communication regarding hydroxyurea effects on readings from Enhanced Enlite™, Guardian™ Sensor 3 and Dexcom CGM systems.
Users of the CGM systems should be aware that sensors could present inaccurate sensor glucose (SG) readings.
Hydroxyurea use results in higher SG readings compared to blood glucose (BG) readings and may result in the following:
Hypoglycemia caused by over-administration of insulin
Inaccurate graphs or missed alarms and alerts
Delay to or loss of sensor-enabled insulin suspension (sensor-enabled insulin pump use only)
SG readings in CareLink™ reports being substantially higher than BG readings
What is Hydroxyurea?
Hydroxyurea is an anti-neoplastic drug used primarily in chemotherapy. Some examples of the conditions in which hydroxyurea is more commonly used include:
Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (CML)
Head and neck malignancies, and
Sickle cell disease.
Advice from Medtronic and AMSL
Medtronic advises to not use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) while taking hydroxyurea.
AMSL advise Dexcom G5 and G6 users to use blood glucose meters to check glucose levels.
Medtronic and Dexcom have issued letters to all people with diabetes and health care professionals that they are aware are using the respective CGM systems.
ADEA Endorsement Committee: expression of interest
Expressions of Interest are open to full ADEA members to join the ADEA Endorsement Committee.
The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) conducts an Endorsement Program for external organisations providing educational programs, courses, events and other presentations with a diabetes education and management focus. The aim of the ADEA Endorsement Program is to ensure that the educational programs offered to diabetes educators and other health professionals with an interest in diabetes are of high standard, consistent with evidenced-based best practice diabetes education and meet the needs of diabetes health professionals in the context of the current work climate.
Purpose of the Committee
The purpose of the Committee is to:
independently assess and review applications for ADEA endorsement of educational activities to ensure that endorsed diabetes educational activities offered to ADEA members are evidence based, relevant and of a high standard to meet the professional development needs of CDEs and other health professionals
to contribute to the quality improvement of diabetes education and management education programs offered to Diabetes Educators and other health professionals
provide advice to the CEO on matters pertaining to the endorsement process to ensure a high quality transparent endorsement program for diabetes education and management professional development activities.
Join the ADEA Endorsement Committee now
ADEA is seeking CDEs with an interest in continuing professional development and an eye for detail. If you feel you are suitable and would like to join the Endorsement Committee, please forward your expression of interest with your CV to education@adea.com.au by cob Friday 26th March 2021.
Joint statement from Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society & ADEA on COVID-19 vaccines
last updated on 10 March 2021
Australia’s peak diabetes organisations are encouraging all Australian adults with diabetes to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as it is available to them.
The COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) rigorous testing process. Both vaccines currently approved by the TGA (AstraZeneca and Pfizer) are suitable for use in adults living with diabetes.
We recommend all adults with diabetes get vaccinated against COVID-19. There is clear evidence that people with diabetes are at higher risk of serious illness if they get COVID-19. There is clear evidence that the approved vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness with COVID-19.
It is important that as many Australians as possible get vaccinated. This is the best path forward in the fight against the virus.
Timing
The vaccine roll-out will occur in three phases. We are currently in Phase 1a which includes frontline workers with a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 including quarantine and border workers, health workers and aged care and disability care staff. Aged care and disability care residents are also being vaccinated in this group.
All adults living with diabetes will be included in Phase 1b which will begin in late March. This is something we advocated for and we are glad the Government has responded.
You can find more information about the vaccine roll-out here.
Children and young people will be vaccinated in Phase 3 subject to appropriate approvals from the TGA.
The exact timing of each phase is still to be determined.
Location
Each State/Territory government is responsible for administering vaccinations. Talk to your GP about where and when you can get vaccinated.
More information
It is important to stay up to date with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. For regular updates please visit:
The Living Evidence for Diabetes Consortium is a collaboration between the AustralianDiabetes Society (ADS), Diabetes Australia (DA), the Australian Diabetes EducatorsAssociation (ADEA) and the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG), with representation from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the Australian Government Department of Health and Cochrane Australia.
The Consortium has developed evidence based clinical guidelines for diabetes containing selected recommendations regarding:
Medical device technology for the management of Type 1 Diabetes; and-
Medications for blood glucose management in adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
The clinical guidelines for diabetes were approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in November 2020. These guidelines are living and as such, the LED team are regularly monitoring research to update recommendations as required or as new evidence accumulates.
Queensland CDE of the Year: Heike Krausse
Tasmania CDE of the Year: Joanne Saunders
She has impressed the scholarship selection committee with her outstanding academic and work record.
