title: Implementing a holistic approach to diabetes care.
abstract: The concept of case assignment is an important development in diabetes education because it encourages a problem-solving approach to care, including evaluation of education, which is the basis of accountability and autonomous professional practice. Furthermore, case assignment and holistic care of clients with diabetes is a model of professional practice that benefits clients, practitioners, and administrators. Case assignment encourages comprehensive and efficient use of human and administrative resources, and provides a foundation for professional development and practitioner autonomy. Effective implementation of holistic care requires a reassessment by health professionals of practice protocols and a reorganization of policy and procedures. The expansion of professional skills necessary for the introduction of a holistic approach will (a) break down traditional practice barriers, and (b) extend the professional knowledge of diabetes care practitioners. Case assignment for diabetes education and follow-up, if extensively adopted, is a mechanism that could contribute to achieving recognition of diabetes educators as independent practitioners, recognition of diabetes education as a practice specialty, and reimbursement for private practitioners.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Moses
mesh_terms: D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000451:nursing*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic