Diabetes Scotland has hosted the first in a series of events designed to invite collaboration and innovation around type 2 diabetes prevention.
The event took place in Inverclyde and linked experts and influencers from the local community with health system leaders and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health practitioners.
Delegates were invited to come with an open mind and willingness to share and exchange good practice and ideas that could seed the start of new ways of working to create sustained change in the health and wellbeing of the residents of Inverclyde.
Diabetes Scotland has been collaborating with Healthcare Improvement Scotland to explore what is called a Human Learning Systems approach to systems change.
At the heart of this school of thought is the principle that public service exists to support human flourishing, and that thinking in systems - understanding things as connected and interdependent - leads to better outcomes for all.
Speaking at the event, Diana Hekerem, Health Improvement Scotland posed the need for a shift of emphasis whereby leaders focus not on managing current health systems to ‘go faster’ but instead ask people what is happening in their lives and what matters to them, and in response put in place support that is more holistic, enabling individuals to meet challenges intrinsically linked to health and wellbeing and thrive.
Diana observed that ‘every relationship is a learning’ and challenged ‘health and wellbeing influencers’ to think outside existing systems to ‘do the right thing’.
Workshops and pledge-making
In interactive sessions, participants were asked to think about what is stopping them from making change and what is possible for them to commit to in terms of helping to bring about change to type 2 diabetes prevention in Inverclyde. Pledges made from both an individual and an organisational perspective were sealed in envelopes to be taken away and used for a reflective exercise in the future.
Judith Kennon, Health Systems Manager, Diabetes Scotland said:
“Diabetes Scotland recognises that if we are to improve type 2 diabetes prevention work in Scotland, and better meet the needs of those affected by poverty, we must ensure discussion around diabetes care happens beyond clinical settings and includes community organisations and people living with diabetes.
“We are delighted to have started to work with Healthcare Improvement Scotland and stakeholders and community groups across Inverclyde to challenge thinking on healthcare design and delivery.”
Read the event report that includes speaker slides, links to more about Human Learning Systems, participant pledges and feedback.
For more information and to get involved with this work in Inverclyde, email: judith.kennon@diabetes.org.uk
