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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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