Chronic disease prevention and management program for diabetic patients in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland)

BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM STATEMENT: Diabetes constitutes a major burden for communities in terms of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. The canton of Vaud plans to implement a prevention and chronic disease management program for diabetes. METHODS: Meetings gathering cantonal and academic specialists in prevention and public health, GPs and specialists in diabetology (private practices and hospitals), representatives of para-medical and hospital professionals, from patients' associations and insurance companies have allowed to define the aims and main action lines of the program. RESULTS: Four objectives were defined: 1) general population: increase knowledge on diabetes and risk factors, reduce the prevalence of glucose intolerance and undiagnosed diabetes; 2) diabetic patients: promote self-management education, and coordinated, integrated evidence-based care stratified according to disease severity and patients' needs; 3) healthcare professionals: reinforce information and education for better diabetic care; 4) authorities and partners: implement a surveillance system. Working groups determined provisional measures. CONCLUSIONS: This preparatory work will enable the development and implementation of the diabetes program. This project, innovative for Switzerland, represents a tremendous opportunity for all healthcare stakeholders of the canton to work together towards a common goal: improving the state of health and healthcare of diabetic patients.