The American Diabetes Association announced the recognition of New Brunswick-based Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Chronic Illness Management Program through its Education Recognition Program.
The ADA’s ERP certificate assures that educational services meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. The corresponding intervention provided is evidence-based and outcome-driven.
Services apply for recognition voluntarily and ADA-ERP recognition lasts for four years.
“DSMES is an essential part of managing diabetes and is as effective as diabetes medication. Therefore, all people with diabetes benefit from it,” Barbara Eichorst, the ADA’s vice president of health programs, said. “We applaud Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Chronic Illness Management Program for its commitment to providing value-based interventions such as DSMES, maximizing corresponding outcomes and patient experience.”
The Chronic Illness Management Program at CSH is unique in that it offers a one-of-a-kind inpatient and outpatient multidisciplinary approach to diabetes management for children and adolescents.
Children with diabetes receive intensive medical care, psychotherapy, nutrition therapy and education, disease-specific education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreation therapy and child life services. Families and caregivers are also encouraged to participate in care, including participating in experiential learning like cooking classes or trips into the community. These components help patients to improve their total mind, body and spirit.
“We’re thrilled that the American Diabetes Association has recognized our Chronic Illness Management Program as the innovative and educational leader it is,” Colin O’Reilly, vice president and chief medical officer, Children’s Specialized Hospital, said. “Participation in our program has resulted in consistent reductions in A1C and fructosamine, improvement in diabetes knowledge, enhanced access to diabetes care and other medical and therapy services, reduced hospital admissions, improved quality of life and has demonstrated improvement in the psychological wellbeing of both our patients and their parents.”
