Finalist
The role of innovative diabetes medicines in an integrated NHS – calculating the impact of diabetes in social care
Summary of work
The burden of diabetes is rising rapidly – 3.2 million people in the UK now have the condition, and an estimated 850,000 have the condition but are not aware. While the impact of diabetes to the NHS was well known, the effect on social care services, particularly amongst older people, was an under-researched area. With politicians and policymakers promoting the ever closer integration of health and social care services, this partnership project – between industry and the leading research organisation on older people with diabetes in the UK – uncovered new data and evidence of the burden of diabetes in social care, including complications associated with the condition such as hypoglycaemia, to create a compelling case for service improvements. The evidence, packaged as a national report and local infographic, resulted in a broad coalition including commissioners, clinicians, charities, parliamentarians and providers to pledge their support for improved diabetes services and treatment access in a more integrated health and social care system.
Judges’ comments
A very thorough campaign with good external endorsement and a broad approach to building evidence via the first-ever social care audit. It produced a great and engaging report with stastitics most people could only dream of.
