The problem: Prevention and assessing the impact of care on persons with diabetes are not reflected in national diabetes programme. The figures regarding prevalence, incidence, direct costs and associated costs and effectiveness of different treatment paths are not clearly specified. There are no targets for key performance indicators, or recommendations or solutions to achieve multiannual targets gradually. Clinical and non-clinical therapeutic education, although it has a history and experience of over 35 years and is recognized by most specialists in diabetes, is not registered as an independent profession, and hence is not properly remunerated. As has been shown (and continues to be demonstrated) in clinical and laboratory studies, without therapeutic education the impact of the medical act is significantly reduced. Low adherence to treatment was demonstrated in several international clinical trials, diabetes reaching less than 20% (UK). It has also been shown in clinical trials that clinical therapeutic education projects lead to improved outcomes. Projects that support the stabilization of the results of education programs (ex .: peer to peer) lead to maintaining good results over longer periods (US, France, IDF).

 

A comprehensive approach to diabetes (starting with present statistics, coherent lines of interventions from prevention to early diagnosis and proper management of the condition) is the only way to ensure that constant investments made the health system lead to lasting results. A reality check on the status of diabetes health services, the expectations and needs of the persons with diabetes as well as the main areas where health providers should invest  (aggregated in a white paper on diabetes) must be produced and supported by evidence and might be later used for improving the present programmes.

 

Objectives: Development of a white chart on diabetes from the perspective of the Romanian persons with diabetes highlighting the present needs and shortcomings of the system and of the national diabetes programme. The present legal framework is analysed and evidence is collected with the support of local diabetes persons associations from all the country. Local organizations are encouraged to constantly collect and report data regarding the access to diabetes related health services, medicines and devices.

 

The project was launched in the Romanian Parliament on 9 March 2016.