Educating the NT workforce Gill O’Connor Nurse Education Consultant Clinical Learning DHF

WHY ? – so these kids can be old mates Improved health outcomes for Territorians Break down barriers and silos – work together as a team Evidenced based practice / best practice Educate health professionals to educate and learn from the community- shared experience

Barriers to education – 2006 survey Time Off site On site Back fill for positions Travel and accommodation cost Not supported by management Limited access to education opportunities Limited internet access Education 2006 survey into chronic disease education in the NT: acute, community, remote, DHF and NGOs

Education opportunities WHO competencies – Patient centred care, partnering, quality improvement, information and communication technology, public health perspective- Educating to improve population health outcomes in chronic disease curriculum package which was a collaborative project between NT and Qld health services and universities – can be adapted to all situations 5 days short course in Chronic Disease Management, 2 day diabetes workshops for all health professionals, 1 day acute care workshop, discussed at all CD workshops such as renal program, Cert 111 remote diabetes course

Reduced education reduced positive outcomes In 07 – education drive to increase the number of patients capable of self injecting insulin while in hospital – increase in number of pts especially type 2 going onto a basal insulin – daily dose. Audit in 07 found only 24% were actually self administering – number of barriers identified including lack of education for patient and staff, confidence to allow pts to self administer, it’s a nurse’s job – education conducted through out adult areas, discussed at orientation and in various training programs – a second educator was appointed – increased to 53% within 12 months – loss of second position, education services decreased, rates dropped below 07 figure. 07 08 09 Patients self administering insulin in hospital

Which way for the future? Increased opportunities ie on-line, interactive and integrated training , inter-professional, link all services together – share experiences and resources – same goals Education in schools, communities etc Introduced at Undergraduate level – post grad training in all health areas