The aim of the project is to ensure good glycemic control and thereby preventing severe diabetes complications in poor communities through a community owned approach.
Expected impact
300 micro-clinics established at two sites in and around the Amman region targeting poorer segments of the population
A team of doctors and nurses trained in implementation and planning of the Micro-Clinic Project
300 community volunteers trained in leading the micro-clinics
2,500 people with and without diabetes educated and screened
1,300 diabetes patients empowered to self-manage their diabetes
30,000 people exposed to education and awareness campaign
Results at project completion
290 micro-clinics have been established with a total of 756 members. Each micro-clinic has been provided with a start up kit that includes logbooks, a glucose meter, testing strips and lancets. Baseline medical and survey data from these participants has been collected. The participants' HbA1c levels have been reduced with 1,25% in average after joining the project for 4 months.
A practical and interactive, culturally appropriate educational program covering 5 full class sessions has been designed. (The program covers every aspect of diabetes management including diabetes biology, symptoms, complications, nutrition, physical activity, insulin, medication compliance, use of a blood sugar moniter, needle safety and several other topics.)
6 nurses, 2 doctors, 2 coordinators and 2 GMCP staff were trained in diabetes care and education. A manual for nurse training in diabetes treatment and patient education has been developed. Primary care nurses throughout Jordan are planned to be trained using this manual.
Radio announcements and newspaper articles have been produced and reached well over 30,000 people.
The educational outreach component has reached well over 2,500 people through spreading of information to diabetes patients during the recruitment process. Furthermore, local leaders, houses of worship, community centres, pharmacies and other public locations have been sensitised and some have distributed project material.
In Jordan, diabetes accounts for 6.8% of adult illnesses and the increase in the prevalence of diabetes is among the highest in the world.
Furthermore, diabetes is taking a serious toll on the Jordanian health care system. Therefore, there is a substantial need for diabetes prevention and self-management education, especially among the poorer segments of the population.
Approach
The project has a multi-partner approach headed by The Global Micro-Clinic Project (GMCP). Other partners are The Jordanian Ministry of Health (MoH) and The Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS).
The project seeks to establish 300 micro-clinics at six sites in and around the Amman region.
A micro-clinic is a self-selected support group of 3-8 people with diabetes/at risk who share a glucose monitor and have regular meetings to measure blood glucose levels and discuss issues of concern. A trained volunteer will attend the meetings to guide discussions and register readings.
Initially, a MoH team consisting of 1 doctor and 4 nurses will be trained in educating people with diabetes and implementing micro-clinics.
The MoH team will subsequently provide 20 large educational lectures on diabetes causes, early symptoms, prevention etc. at the six sites. Each lecture will comprise 100-150 people and will be held in central locations, such as a community centre.
At these lectures, the participants will be screened for diabetes and divided into smaller, self-selected groups where they can discuss the lectures and ask questions. Furthermore, they are provided with educational materials. Participants with diabetes or at-risk are offered to become part of a micro-clinic.
Several times each month, micro-clinic groups will get together for social events, lectures, workshops, registration of blood sugar readings and to purchase medical supplies as a cooperative.
Finally, public awareness and general education on diabetes will be spread through a media campaign.
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