Members of the Calgary Diabetes Advocacy Committee, including Dr. David Campbell, fourth from left. Photo Credit: Demilade Odusola, University of Calgary
A University of Calgary team, led by clinician-scientist David Campbell, has partnered with The Alex Community Health Centre Mobile Health Program to launch a Diabetes Mobile Clinic (DMC) in Calgary, addressing the critical need for accessible diabetes care among underserved groups.
"When faced with homelessness or other major challenges, individuals often prioritize addressing more pressing needs over attending medical appointments," says Dr. Campbell, MD, PhD, a member of the O'Brien Institute for Public Health and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). "Our goal is to ensure that those most in need receive the care they deserve without obstacles."
As part of a two-year pilot program, the DMC is equipped to screen people for diabetes and assess patients with diabetes for related complications, such as retinopathy and neuropathy. Additionally, diabetes specialty care from an endocrinologist and a diabetes educator are also available.
Combining research and community engagement
"At The Alex, our focus is on supporting individuals who face barriers to accessing care, which includes a significant portion of our population." says Emma Wissink, clinic manager for youth and mobile health services at The Alex. "Our goal is to increase accessibility. With our mobile health program, we aim to provide essential services, especially in preventive care and improving access to necessary health-care services."
Serving Calgary for over 50 years, The Alex employs a mobile health strategy as a response to the complex health challenges that burden communities in Calgary. Campbell, an associate professor in the departments of medicine and community health sciences at the CSM, worked with the organization to help vulnerable people with diabetes.
"This partnership with The Alex was really quite fortuitous they were very supportive, and they've been a tremendous partner to work with," says Campbell. "We have been very fortunate to work with such an engaged ally to make [the DMC] happen."
Driving improved patient outcomes by enhancing accessibility
The DMC is the first mobile clinic that will provide Calgarians with a range of services and a specialized referral pathway to access diabetes care specialists with expedited follow-ups.
"What's unique about this initiative is that we're providing comprehensive care in a very timely manner, all within one space. This approach ensures that we have all the necessary professionals and services available, making the care both timely and accessible," says Wissink.
The Campbell research team hopes that the DMC sparks a reorientation of delivering diabetes care that eliminates barriers to ensure underserved people have access to preventive health care.
"Many patients have not been well served by the mainstream medical system, and we hope to see improved engagement with health-care services for these individuals," says Campbell.
Jeremy Auger, a community member with lived experience of diabetes and homelessness and a co-researcher on the Calgary Diabetes Advocacy Committee who worked alongside Campbell's research team, hopes the DMC will have a broad impact. "I am excited about the launch of the DMC because I know we are making good change in the community. I joined this project to help people in need so they don't have to experience what I have I am happy that the DMC will do that."
Campbell emphasizes the far-reaching benefits of the DMC, highlighting how its success will positively impact all Calgarians by delivering essential clinical diabetes care to those in need.
"By reducing the number of hospitalizations due to complications, we can ultimately lessen the burden on our acute care system," he says. "This initiative fosters a healthier community by ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care and support they deserve."
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