Advantages of training Asian diabetes support workers for Asian families and diabetes health care professionals

Abstract

Local consultation with Asian groups and community members in Tameside, Greater Manchester during 1999 on issues around diabetes identified barriers towards optimal self-care. Six local Asian trainees were recruited in male and female cultural pairs (Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani) to participate in a modular Asian Diabetes Support Worker training programme. The training was accredited with Greater Manchester Open College Network, in association with Tameside College, at NVQ Levels 2 and 3. The Asian Diabetes Support Worker Service was evaluated from patient/family and health professional perspectives 12 months after referrals began to be accepted by the team. This article describes the process and outcomes of the service and discusses plans to improve its utilisation. © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.