title: [Introduction to Integrated Diabetes Care].
abstract: Diabetes is a huge problem that has been recognized as an important healthcare issue by most national governments. Diabetes affects patients not only in terms of physical health but also in terms of mental health. Furthermore, the medical costs that are associated with diabetes are considerable. Many countries have developed integrated care models for the treatment of diabetes and pay particular attention to assisting patients that require complicated care. Evidence from empirical studies shows that the integrated care of diabetes reduces complications, increases patients' health literacy, and decreases medical costs. Accordingly, integrated care has been applied to the treatment and care of diabetes patients. In the integrated care model, patients not only receive multidisciplinary care during hospitalization but also receive medical services after their return to the community. There has been a dearth of scholarly discussions in Taiwan related to the integrated care of diabetes. Therefore, we present in this paper the concept of integrated diabetes care and the role of the advanced practice nurse (APN) in the multidisciplinary model. It is hoped that this introduction provides practical insights for healthcare professionals into the essence of integrated care.
authors.affiliation: BSN, RN, Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Li-Ling
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: PhD, RN, Professor, College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, ROC. chiuchu@kmu.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Chiu-Chu
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role
keywords:  advanced practice nurse (APN);  diabetes management ;  integrated care 