Psychological Support for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes; an invitation to participate in a trial of

GPs don’t need to be told about the distress that comes with a diabetes diagnosis. You probably know, for example, that people with diabetes are three times more likely to experience depression than the rest of the population and the consequences of their poor psychological health include poor self-care and increased risk of diabetes complications.

Diabetes is a complex disorder to manage for both patients and clinicians. Psychological issues often get overlooked.

The SpringboarD Project, conducted jointly by Black Dog Institute, the University of NSW and the University of Melbourne, is now underway to see whether a self-help program delivered entirely online (without human support) can help people with type 2 diabetes better manage the emotional challenges of their condition.

Patients of general practices in NSW and Victoria are invited to participate. The study has been designed to minimise interruption to daily practice activities and for the GP it involves:

• Actively bringing the project to the attention of your type 2 diabetes patients

• Providing care as usual to all patients

• Providing the HbA1c results for participating patients at entry, after 6 months, after 12 months and after 24 months. Practices will be reimbursed $50 per patient enrolled.

Get involved! Find out more about the SpringboarD Project at https://springboard.blackdoghealth.org.au or contact the team on (02)9382 8310 or SpringboarD@unsw.edu.au