Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of grey nomads with diabetes and their self management whilst travelling in rural and remote Australia. As the baby boomers retire this cohort of grey nomads is increasing. Previous research with rural and remote diabetes educators in South Australia identified issues with diabetes management for these travellers including a lack of preparation such as understanding the services available in rural and remote regions.
Methods: An exploratory online survey of grey nomads was undertaken in 2020 to 2021. The research was advertised on several grey nomad social media sites inviting those with diabetes to complete the survey. Questions sourced demographic and diabetes information, as well as closed and open ended questions regarding travel preparation, self management strategies, and problems experienced whilst on the road.
Results: A total of 103 grey nomads with diabetes aged over 50 years undertook the survey. Most respondents had type 2 diabetes and co-morbidities were common. Results focussed on their planning prior to travel, self management whilst travelling, access to healthcare services, use of healthcare summaries and action plans, medical emergencies, and the impact of COVID-19 and natural disasters. Many of the respondents managed their diabetes well with pre planning and knowledge of their self management strategies.
Conclusions: An outcome of the research is to develop a checklist for travellers with diabetes, general practitioners, and diabetes educators to use in preparation for clients planning rural and remote travel. Further policy development is required in the areas of a universal health record for access by healthcare professionals and telehealth services.
Methods: An exploratory online survey of grey nomads was undertaken in 2020 to 2021. The research was advertised on several grey nomad social media sites inviting those with diabetes to complete the survey. Questions sourced demographic and diabetes information, as well as closed and open ended questions regarding travel preparation, self management strategies, and problems experienced whilst on the road.
Results: A total of 103 grey nomads with diabetes aged over 50 years undertook the survey. Most respondents had type 2 diabetes and co-morbidities were common. Results focussed on their planning prior to travel, self management whilst travelling, access to healthcare services, use of healthcare summaries and action plans, medical emergencies, and the impact of COVID-19 and natural disasters. Many of the respondents managed their diabetes well with pre planning and knowledge of their self management strategies.
Conclusions: An outcome of the research is to develop a checklist for travellers with diabetes, general practitioners, and diabetes educators to use in preparation for clients planning rural and remote travel. Further policy development is required in the areas of a universal health record for access by healthcare professionals and telehealth services.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 12 Aug 2021 |
| Event | Australasian Diabetes Congress 2021 - Virtual Event, Brisbane, Australia Duration: 11 Aug 2021 → 13 Aug 2021 https://diabetescongress.com.au/ (Conference website) |
Conference
| Conference | Australasian Diabetes Congress 2021 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Brisbane |
| Period | 11/08/21 → 13/08/21 |
| Other | On behalf of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association and Australian Diabetes Society, we would like to extend an invitation to you to attend this year's Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC) to be held virtually. The ADC is the premier clinical and scientific meeting in diabetes in the Southern hemisphere, attracting more than 1600 delegates from around the region. Our program organising committees are planning this year’s sessions and speakers, around topical issues in diabetes management and care and cutting-edge research, as well as the most-requested topics from last year’s attendees. Join us virtually to celebrate 100 years of insulin, share your knowledge and expertise, network with colleagues as well as learn about the latest advances in diabetes research and clinical practice. |
| Internet address |
|
Bibliographical note
The attached link is for the overall program for ADC 2021. This specific output is a ten-minute oral presentation from 2:02pm to 2:12pm on Thursday, 12/08/2021. To access the abstract of this presentation open the section "ADEA Orals: Enhancing Diabetes Care & Education".Keywords
- grey nomads
- diabetes
- self management whilst travelling
- rural and remote Australia
- baby boomers
- diabetes management
