Provide practical tools and systems

Diabetes care teams must have a number of practical tools and systems to support the effective management of the psychosocial needs of people with the condition. Such tools and systems include:

• strategies for psychological intervention
• referral guidelines
• listening and communications skills
• scales for the assessment of quality of life
• personal care records, e.g. diabetes passports

Many valid and effective tools have been identified through the DAWN conferences, which are being applied in various DAWN initiatives around the world to suit local needs. Please contact your local Novo Nordisk affiliate for further information in your area.

Example of practical tools:

WHO-5 
The WHO-5 well-being index is a short, self-administered questionnaire covering five positively worded items, related to positive mood. It has shown to be a reliable measure of emotional functioning and a good screener for depression.