Training for health practitioners As leaders in the fight against Australia’s biggest health crisis, Diabetes Australia is committed to providing support and information for everyone. That includes training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health professionals, who make a big difference in their communities. Here you’ll find a range of diabetes education programs funded by the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). To find out more about any of our programs, or to sign up to our enewsletter, please contact our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce e-newsletter Our informative e-newsletters are a great way to keep you up-to-date with the latest training offerings, diabetes management education, and resources to help support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes. They’re packed with interesting articles covering a range of topics, including the impacts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes and those who support them. Feltman® and Feltmum® training Feltman® and Feltmum® are diabetes education tools that provide upskilling and professional development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, health professionals, registered nurses, allied health workers and those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and clients. These tools were developed by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and Diabetes Victoria. The NDSS funds the national rollout of Feltman® and Feltmum® training. Find a session Diabetes education sessions These two-hour online education sessions are designed to give you an understanding of the basics of diabetes, and the confidence to share this knowledge. Delivered by a skilled team of diabetes educators, dietitians and educators, each session will cover different topics, including: What is diabetes Type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes Symptoms and risk factors Diabetes management Complications Mental health, and Annual cycle of care. Health forums Our quarterly forums are for health workers and health professionals who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes. Forums are online and focus on topics that directly affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You’ll hear from experts in diabetes research and clinical practice about how to apply what they’ve learned into your daily practice to better support your clients. Find a session Diabetes yarning facilitator training This program aims to give you the tools you need to understand diabetes, and how best to manage it, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The program uses a range of resources, including visual aids such as Feltman® (a life-sized man made of felt that shows how the body is affected by diabetes) and yarning cards, with delivery encouraged in local languages where possible. The point of difference is the confidence you’ll build to talk about diabetes with members of your community. As part of the training, health workers will put together three Community Diabetes Yarning Sessions, supported by our staff. Forum for peer support group facilitators If you’re living with diabetes, peer support gives you a chance to connect with others going through a similar experience. You can share your knowledge, emotions, ideas and concerns in a safe and non-judgemental space. Facilitators play a key role in maintaining the relevance, safety and effectiveness of support groups. Often, facilitators work out-of-hours, without pay and on top of work and family obligations. In recognition of their importance, Diabetes Australia holds a quarterly online forum for peer support group facilitators. Available in Queensland, NSW and ACT, this forum provides the latest information and support to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce. Diabetes e-learning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health These free e-learning modules aim to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health professionals a foundational understanding of diabetes and its management. They use storytelling with person-centred stories, interactive activities and engaging graphics to deliver diabetes information over nine consecutive modules. It should take you around 10 hours to complete. Topics include: About diabetes Healthy living Glucose monitoring Low and high blood sugar levels Medicines and insulin Complications Support for self-management, and Priority groups. You can do these modules in your own time, at your own pace. The course includes an evaluation of the learning objectives, relevance to your work, messaging, ease of use and improvements. You’ll be asked to complete this evaluation before your certificate is issued. The modules are endorsed by National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) for 10 CPD hours. All modules have been reviewed in collaboration with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and their expert clinical team to ensure cultural, clinical and user accuracy.
