NDSS

What is the NDSS?

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government that commenced in 1987 and is administered by Diabetes Australia.

The NDSS aims to enhance the capacity of people living with diabetes to understand and self-manage their condition and access services, support, and subsidised diabetes products. There is a wide array of subsidised products and services for people living with diabetes available to NDSS registrants.

Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) are encouraged to be knowledgeable about the NDSS and the services available to support their clients. In their role, CDEs are encouraged to support people living with diabetes to register with the NDSS. CDEs should refer to the NDSS Privacy Policy for all matters regarding collection of personal information through the NDSS. Please note the ADEA privacy policy applies to members’ interactions with ADEA.

To learn more, visit the official NDSS website.

ADEA as a Health Professional Agent for NDSS 

ADEA receives funds from the NDSS to deliver projects that benefit health professionals serving people living with diabetes and ultimately, people living with diabetes. The Australian Diabetes Society is the other Health Professional Agent of the NDSS.

All projects and resources featured below are resources developed by ADEA with funding from NDSS. For more information and resources to support health professionals, go to: NDSS Resources.

NDSS projects and resources

The National Diabetes Nursing Education Framework 

The National Diabetes Nursing and Education Framework aims to guide the development of a skilled nursing workforce capable of providing a high standard of diabetes care. The framework is a tool that promotes life-long learning and can support the nursing profession to advance in the field of diabetes care and education with a long-term goal of improved community health outcomes.

ADEA continues to monitor the quality and accuracy of the information in the National Diabetes Nursing Framework. An updated Framework will be available soon. ADEA remains committed to responding to any concerns or suggestions raised by learners. If you have any feedback or questions about the Framework, please email NDSS@adea.com.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner Mentoring Pilot Program 

This project delivers a mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners, partnered with CDEs, working towards, further education and initial credentialling status with ADEA. The project also involves a review of the ADEA National Core Competencies for Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers being undertaken by Dr Kate Marsh. The review has resulted in some clinical changes and recommendations being made. A draft version will be available for review and feedback in late 2022. 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner Mentoring Pilot Program was conducted over 12 weeks between March and July 2022. Over 15 paired mentors and mentees participated, with many rural communities represented. Regular interactions were reported, and resources were produced to support the mentees’ journey. The pilot evaluation process is now underway, and results will be shared here when complete. 

ADEA will be conducting a second phase of the Pilot Program later in 2022. To find out more about the upcoming program please email ndss@adea.com.au or click here to enrol as either a mentor or mentee. 

Workforce Development: Specialist Diabetes Workforce (CDEs) 

The purpose of this project is to improve the capacity and capability of the existing CDE workforce to identify and respond to emerging mental health concerns for people living with diabetes through continuing professional development (CPD).  During 2021-2022, ADEA surveyed members and results indicated a need for support and resources tailored to the CDE workforce. The establishment of a Mental Health Special Interest Group is underway along with consultation with key stakeholders. The survey and investigation of results have informed the development of 2 webinars on this topic, for CDEs. 

The first webinar, Apples, pears, and oranges: Unravelling diabetes distress, burnout and depression is available to ADEA members in the ADEA Learning Management System. 

The second webinar, Supporting psychological health using the 7A’s model: Examples of anxiety and psychological barriers to insulin use is available to ADEA members in the ADEA Learning Management System.

In addition to the two webinars, the ADEA NDSS Team in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD) developed a one-page summary of the 7A’s clinical support tool, which can be found here.   

For additional support resources please see Diabetes and emotional health (ndss.com.au) 

Workforce Development: Generalist Health Workforce 

This project will identify and improve the engagement of the generalist workforce (health assistants, enrolled and registered nurses, allied health professionals, and others) with CDEs, and to develop and streamline standard protocols in the same vein as the ADEA Diabetes Referral Pathways. ADEA has undertaken desktop research and telephone interviews, including engagement with peak body representatives, to determine their needs.    

Resources developed as a result of this project will be available in due course. 

Past projects 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers & Health Practitioners research

The purpose of this project was to establish a thorough and up-to-date understanding of the diabetes related education available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners to inform recommendations for future actions to support these professionals develop knowledge and skills to build capacity in a key component of the diabetes workforce.   

The results and recommendations founded in this project have been shared with Diabetes Australia and resulted in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner Mentoring Pilot Program.  You can read more about the Mentoring Program above. 

Diabetes workforce data analysis 

This project set out, and achieved its goal, to provide an up-to-date picture of the diabetes workforce, with a focus on the characteristics of the CDE and endocrinologist/ diabetologist workforce and how they service people with diabetes.  The work done in the diabetes workforce data analysis project has led to the 2 other current projects – Generalist Workforce Project and CDE specific Workforce project. 

Diabetes & Intellectual Disability (ID) 

The Diabetes & Intellectual Disability (ID) project developed a range of resources to fill a gap in diabetes education for people with an ID and their support network including health professionals, carers, and support people.  

Adults with intellectual disabilities are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes 1. 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. 

Review of Diabetes Management and Planning During Disasters 

In 2020, a review of the existing NDSS disaster management resources was conducted. The review was multifaceted and included feedback from the original expert reference group, responses to a broad call for submissions from emergency service providers, disaster relief providers, and local councils and feedback received from the online learning modules evaluation survey. A report from this review was produced and the resources were updated based on this. The update of the resources included: 

The updated disaster management resources are now available here  

You can access the online learning modules on the ADEA LMS here. 

Clinical Guiding Principles for Sick Day Management of Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes 

This booklet aims to assist health professionals in providing best practice self-management advice and support for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes when they experience an intercurrent illness. They may also be suitable for adults with other types of diabetes. 

Diabetes in School Program

ADEA was a key partner in the Diabetes in Schools Program. ADEA developed the tier three face to face training component of the program. 

PersonCentred Care 

PersonCentred Care developed several person-centered and health literacy resources including a person-centered care toolkit and guide on improving health literacy for people with diabetes 

Diabetes in Aged Care Online Training modules

The Diabetes in Aged Care Online Training modulesfor CDEs, nurses, and aged care workers are available on the ADEA Learning Management System.

Information sheets 

Additional information can be accessed on the NDSS website here: ndss.com.au/health-professionals/resources/. 

It is our aim to review all resources every two years for currency and relevance. ADEA will regularly promote any review occurring through the member newsletter, via social media, and on this page. If you would like to contribute to the review process, please contact ndss@adea.com.au. Some resources will be retired as they become superseded by newer resources. 

If you would like to find out more about the NDSS Team and any of the projects above, please contact ndss@adea.com.au. 

Conflict of interest policy statement 

ADEA may from time to time receive sponsorship and/or educational grants from suppliers of diabetes products or medicines in support of diabetes consumer awareness raising, educational activities for health professionals, conferences and meetings, and other activities. Where the third party supplier is a current or prospective supplier of products or medicines included (or which could be proposed for inclusion) on the NDSS Product Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or other similar scheme accessed by persons with diabetes that is funded (in whole or in part) by the Commonwealth, ADEA provides this assurance that no third party supplier is entitled to, nor will receive, any advantage in terms of the provision of Commonwealth-subsidised diabetes products or medicines to people with diabetes or the provision of Scheme information to people with diabetes or health professionals. 

NDSS

What is the NDSS?

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government that commenced in 1987 and is administered by Diabetes Australia.

The NDSS aims to enhance the capacity of people living with diabetes to understand and self-manage their condition and access services, support, and subsidised diabetes products. There is a wide array of subsidised products and services for people living with diabetes available to NDSS registrants.

Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) are encouraged to be knowledgeable about the NDSS and the services available to support their clients. In their role, CDEs are encouraged to support people living with diabetes to register with the NDSS. CDEs should refer to the NDSS Privacy Policy for all matters regarding collection of personal information through the NDSS. Please note the ADEA privacy policy applies to members’ interactions with ADEA.

To learn more, visit the official NDSS website.

ADEA as a Health Professional Agent for NDSS 

ADEA receives funds from the NDSS to deliver projects that benefit health professionals serving people living with diabetes and ultimately, people living with diabetes. The Australian Diabetes Society is the other Health Professional Agent of the NDSS.

All projects and resources featured below are resources developed by ADEA with funding from NDSS. For more information and resources to support health professionals, go to: NDSS Resources.

NDSS projects and resources

The National Diabetes Nursing Education Framework 

The National Diabetes Nursing and Education Framework aims to guide the development of a skilled nursing workforce capable of providing a high standard of diabetes care. The framework is a tool that promotes life-long learning and can support the nursing profession to advance in the field of diabetes care and education with a long-term goal of improved community health outcomes.

ADEA continues to monitor the quality and accuracy of the information in the National Diabetes Nursing Framework. An updated Framework will be available soon. ADEA remains committed to responding to any concerns or suggestions raised by learners. If you have any feedback or questions about the Framework, please email NDSS@adea.com.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner Mentoring Pilot Program 

This project delivers a mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners, partnered with CDEs, working towards, further education and initial credentialling status with ADEA. The project also involves a review of the ADEA National Core Competencies for Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers being undertaken by Dr Kate Marsh. The review has resulted in some clinical changes and recommendations being made. A draft version will be available for review and feedback in late 2022. 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner Mentoring Pilot Program was conducted over 12 weeks between March and July 2022. Over 15 paired mentors and mentees participated, with many rural communities represented. Regular interactions were reported, and resources were produced to support the mentees’ journey. The pilot evaluation process is now underway, and results will be shared here when complete. 

ADEA will be conducting a second phase of the Pilot Program later in 2022. To find out more about the upcoming program please email ndss@adea.com.au or click here to enrol as either a mentor or mentee. 

Workforce Development: Specialist Diabetes Workforce (CDEs) 

The purpose of this project is to improve the capacity and capability of the existing CDE workforce to identify and respond to emerging mental health concerns for people living with diabetes through continuing professional development (CPD).  During 2021-2022, ADEA surveyed members and results indicated a need for support and resources tailored to the CDE workforce. The establishment of a Mental Health Special Interest Group is underway along with consultation with key stakeholders. The survey and investigation of results have informed the development of 2 webinars on this topic, for CDEs. 

The first webinar, Apples, pears, and oranges: Unravelling diabetes distress, burnout and depression is available to ADEA members in the ADEA Learning Management System. 

The second webinar, Supporting psychological health using the 7A’s model: Examples of anxiety and psychological barriers to insulin use is available to ADEA members in the ADEA Learning Management System.

In addition to the two webinars, the ADEA NDSS Team in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD) developed a one-page summary of the 7A’s clinical support tool, which can be found here.   

For additional support resources please see Diabetes and emotional health (ndss.com.au) 

Workforce Development: Generalist Health Workforce 

This project will identify and improve the engagement of the generalist workforce (health assistants, enrolled and registered nurses, allied health professionals, and others) with CDEs, and to develop and streamline standard protocols in the same vein as the ADEA Diabetes Referral Pathways. ADEA has undertaken desktop research and telephone interviews, including engagement with peak body representatives, to determine their needs.    

Resources developed as a result of this project will be available in due course. 

Past projects 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers & Health Practitioners research

The purpose of this project was to establish a thorough and up-to-date understanding of the diabetes related education available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners to inform recommendations for future actions to support these professionals develop knowledge and skills to build capacity in a key component of the diabetes workforce.   

The results and recommendations founded in this project have been shared with Diabetes Australia and resulted in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner Mentoring Pilot Program.  You can read more about the Mentoring Program above. 

Diabetes workforce data analysis 

This project set out, and achieved its goal, to provide an up-to-date picture of the diabetes workforce, with a focus on the characteristics of the CDE and endocrinologist/ diabetologist workforce and how they service people with diabetes.  The work done in the diabetes workforce data analysis project has led to the 2 other current projects – Generalist Workforce Project and CDE specific Workforce project. 

Diabetes & Intellectual Disability (ID) 

The Diabetes & Intellectual Disability (ID) project developed a range of resources to fill a gap in diabetes education for people with an ID and their support network including health professionals, carers, and support people.  

Adults with intellectual disabilities are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes 1. 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. 

Review of Diabetes Management and Planning During Disasters 

In 2020, a review of the existing NDSS disaster management resources was conducted. The review was multifaceted and included feedback from the original expert reference group, responses to a broad call for submissions from emergency service providers, disaster relief providers, and local councils and feedback received from the online learning modules evaluation survey. A report from this review was produced and the resources were updated based on this. The update of the resources included: 

  • minor content/language edits and design changes 
  • updating links and references 
  • identification of any major changes required 
  • updating links on NDSS website and ADEA website. 

The updated disaster management resources are now available here  

You can access the online learning modules on the ADEA LMS here. 

Clinical Guiding Principles for Sick Day Management of Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes 

This booklet aims to assist health professionals in providing best practice self-management advice and support for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes when they experience an intercurrent illness. They may also be suitable for adults with other types of diabetes. 

Diabetes in School Program

ADEA was a key partner in the Diabetes in Schools Program. ADEA developed the tier three face to face training component of the program. 

PersonCentred Care 

PersonCentred Care developed several person-centered and health literacy resources including a person-centered care toolkit and guide on improving health literacy for people with diabetes 

Diabetes in Aged Care Online Training modules

The Diabetes in Aged Care Online Training modulesfor CDEs, nurses, and aged care workers are available on the ADEA Learning Management System.

Information sheets 

Additional information can be accessed on the NDSS website here: ndss.com.au/health-professionals/resources/. 

It is our aim to review all resources every two years for currency and relevance. ADEA will regularly promote any review occurring through the member newsletter, via social media, and on this page. If you would like to contribute to the review process, please contact ndss@adea.com.au. Some resources will be retired as they become superseded by newer resources. 

If you would like to find out more about the NDSS Team and any of the projects above, please contact ndss@adea.com.au. 

Conflict of interest policy statement 

ADEA may from time to time receive sponsorship and/or educational grants from suppliers of diabetes products or medicines in support of diabetes consumer awareness raising, educational activities for health professionals, conferences and meetings, and other activities. Where the third party supplier is a current or prospective supplier of products or medicines included (or which could be proposed for inclusion) on the NDSS Product Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or other similar scheme accessed by persons with diabetes that is funded (in whole or in part) by the Commonwealth, ADEA provides this assurance that no third party supplier is entitled to, nor will receive, any advantage in terms of the provision of Commonwealth-subsidised diabetes products or medicines to people with diabetes or the provision of Scheme information to people with diabetes or health professionals.