David Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, has written an excellent article in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics on the Role of Non-profit Organizations During COVID-19 for Diabetes Care: Health Care Inequities and Role of Virtual Specialty Clinic. The Helmsley Charitable Trust is one of the most important players in the diabetes space and we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with them on several impactful initiatives to better serve the diabetes community.
Here are the three key takeaways from this insightful piece, however we strongly encourage you to read the full article:
- The COVID-19 crisis has already been instrumental in removing barriers and increasing widespread adoption of virtual care delivery. Telemedicine has the potential to decentralize care and level the playfield so that everyone, regardless of location, has access to the best care possible. A shift in the healthcare industry to make this the “new normal” is required – and, in light of this pandemic, is much more likely.
- The Virtual Specialty Clinic (VSC) and other virtual healthcare delivery models have proven to be very successful, particularly in providing support for people living with diabetes. Primary care physicians are overwhelmed because of the ongoing pandemic and telehealth is an effective solution to provide them with much needed assistance. The VSC model has been validated by a study, conducted in collaboration with Cecelia Health, that resulted in a high rate of Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) use, decreased HbA1c, and increased Time in Range (TIR). Click here to learn more about the study and its results.
- Data and technology are crucial components of driving better care for people living with diabetes. CGMs provide a reading every 5 minutes, which adds up to nearly 300 data points a day – invaluable data that could help endocrinology department better serve their patients. VSCs can help gather and interpret this data for CGM users prior to their endocrinology visit – or help alleviate the need for one.
In partnership with the Helmsley Charitable Trust, Cecelia Health is providing essential clinical support to people of all ages living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes around the country in response to challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to learn more.