Diabetes micro-clinics, Jordan

Objectives

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.

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.

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.

Results at completion

- Formed 290 micro-clinics
- Completed nurse and doctor training
- Nearly 1000 patients were recruited and participated successfully in the cohorts of the program
- Over 2,500 people were exposed to more targeted educational awareness materials through interaction with nurses, project staff, or other MC members
- A large scale media campaign targeted TV and major newspapers and reached over 30,000 people.