Connecting Communities: from the Librarian to the Dietician to the Patient

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects millions of people globally. Increased involvement of patients with type 2 diabetes, in the management and prevention of this disease is essential. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease that can be prevented and managed by following a particular eating plan, exercising correctly and by the correct administration of medication. With relevant knowledge, lifestyle changes and information, type 2 diabetic patients can improve and manage their condition effectively. This paper reflects on the study done on type 2 diabetic patients who attend the weekly dietary sessions at the Diabetic Clinic at a State Hospital in Durban, South Africa. Most of the patients that are served at the clinic are from economically disadvantaged communities. The paper provides an overview on how the Medical Librarian provides the Dietician with information required, the Dietician in turn re-packages this information and this is provided to the patients in the form of pamphlets, diet sheets and posters. The paper provides an overview of the results of the study, indicating the factors that influenced the patients need to seek out information from the Dietician and whether or not they found the pamphlets and hand-outs provided by the Dietician to be useful. This paper further reflects on the health literacy of the patient, whereby the patient is able to obtain, process and understand basic diabetic health information and is able to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment. Recommendations are proposed for further developments and improvements of the diabetic information services at the State Hospital.