Bridging social work and health care: The example of Integrated Diabetes Intervention in Tingbjerg

BACKGROUND: In Denmark, type 2 diabetes (T2D) is on the rise particularly among people in vulnerable positions and of low socioeconomic status. People with T2D often have a complex course of treatment that includes continuous contact with different parts of the healthcare system. For the most vulnerable groups however, navigating diabetes related health services can be challenging and may be a decisive obstacle. Low socioeconomic status is associated with a low degree of participation in screening programmes and low compliance with treatment and rehabilitation. Tackling this problem requires collaborative action across the social and the health sector, a challenge that remains unsolved within the field of diabetes. Thus, coordinated diabetes initiatives are required to ensure that people in vulnerable positions achieve optimal benefits from diabetes treatment and rehabilitation. METHODS: This presentation will introduce Integrated Diabetes Intervention in Tingbjerg (IDIT), a holistic diabetes intervention with the dual aim of a) strengthening the motivation and capacity of residents in vulnerable positions to participate in diabetes-related treatment initiatives and b) strengthening collaboration and partnerships in the field of diabetes between key stakeholders in the municipality, the region, and the civil society. IDIT works across the social and the health sector to bridge the gap between the two and offer coherent and integrated treatment and rehabilitation based on the need of the individual. FINDINGS: Based on findings from one year's intervention period (still ongoing), this presentation will discuss the potentials and challenges associated with integrating social work and health care for populations in vulnerable positions. Thus, it showcases how a Supersetting approach to diabetes care may provide sustainable solutions to tackle low compliance with treatment and rehabilitation among people in vulnerable positions