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New name for diabetes educators reflects AADE’s growing vision
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HOUSTON — “Diabetes care and education specialists” is the new name the American Association of Diabetes Educators unveiled for members. The new designation is designed to better reflect the role of educators as “the cornerstone of the diabetes care team,” according to a speaker here.
“Throughout the research process for Project Vision,” a multi-year initiative designed to position diabetes educators for success within a changing health care environment, “we heard loud and clear that one aspect of our specialty must change — the name,” Karen Kemmis, PT, DPT, RN, MS, GCS, CDE, CEEAA, FAADE, president of AADE, said during the opening presentation at AADE 2019. “Diabetes education does not comprehensively capture what we do. In fact, within the health care environment, it sells us short and misrepresents what we have to offer systems, people with diabetes, providers and the entire care team. We know that our services are underutilized, and there are so many reasons for this, but our name is one part of it.”
The AADE board worked with a professional research firm and conducted numerous surveys to identify a title that would “describe our true collaborative and holistic process” and position diabetes educators as leaders in the diabetes care team, Kemmis said. The new name, she said, better reflects members’ expertise, emphasis on collaboration, comprehensive care, outcomes-oriented approach and forward-thinking nature.
“We knew that the words ‘diabetes’ and ‘educator’ should continue to be a part of our title,” Kemmis said. “To better reflect that with all we do, with our expertise, we found that we needed to add the words ‘care’ and ‘specialist.’
The name change is part of the organization’s Project Vision. Through six Project Vision “pillars,” AADE aims to drive better outcomes for people with diabetes by integrating diabetes clinical management, education, prevention and support, Kemmis said.
“Our value lies in an ability to integrate both clinical and self-management aspects of care, and we need to be acknowledged for it,” Kemmis said. “While diabetes education will always be a part of what we do, it’s not all we do.”
Diabetes is not an isolated condition, and educators must be prepared to address all cardiometabolic com orbidities and complications, Kemmis said. This includes serving as a go-to expert for diabetes technology for patients and providers, and working to incorporate a focus on behavioral health.
“In making this claim, we are positioning ourselves to thrive in the shifting environment where quality and outcomes are prioritized over fee-for-service delivery models,” Kemmis said. “We impact clinical outcomes and improve quality of life, and we serve as a knowledge base for the rest of the diabetes care team. It’s almost as if the shifting health care environment was made for us. Payers, providers, health systems and those affected by diabetes and related conditions are increasingly turning to us for disease management and the specialized cardiometabolic knowledge we possess.”
In the coming months, AADE will work to incorporate the new name and the acronym “DCES” into educational programs and resources, Kemmis said, with the goal of an official rollout in January 2020.
“We will achieve success when the title of diabetes care and education specialist and the acronym DCES are recognized by people with diabetes, referring providers, diabetes organizations, payers, health care systems and the general public,” Kemmis said. “Over the next several months, we will work with you to make the critical updates that incorporate DCES into the vocabulary and practice of diabetes care. We will get there together.”
In the meantime, Kemmis encouraged members to “be bold,” advocate for changes within health care systems, and to stay on top of advances in diabetes care and technology.
“Change is critical for our success, and it’s what we must embrace to take our knowledge, skills and passion and put them to work as we move into the future,” Kemmis said. “You’re in the perfect spot right now at AADE19, to expand your reach and hone your skills. Learn from others around you. Let’s support one another and help each other focus.” – by Regina Schaffer
Reference:
Kemmis K. GS01A. Presented at: American Association of Diabetes Educators; Aug. 9-12, 2019; Houston.
Disclosure: Kemmis is president of AADE.