Diabetes care resources available: Commission for Case Manager Certification adds toolkit to Case Management Body of Knowledge online learning center

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Nov. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 29 million Americans—almost one in 10, both adults and children—suffer from diabetes, a disease linked to kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and blindness. The Commission for Case Manager Certification® today announced a resource toolkit for case managers to help those with diabetes and their caregivers better manage this chronic condition. The resources are available at no cost via the Commission's online knowledge resource, the Case Management Body of Knowledge® (www.cmbodyofknowledge.com).

Diabetes often comes with associated health concerns—such as obesity and heart disease—that complicate a patient's ability to navigate the complex array of financial, physical and emotional demands. Case managers work with patients with chronic conditions like diabetes to set personal goals for better health. A care plan may include diet and exercise targets, managing and tracking medications, and obtaining the regular care needed for screenings and condition monitoring.

The Diabetes Case Manager Toolkit, developed by AstraZeneca, references research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the American Diabetes Association and peer-reviewed health journals, with targeted information for caregivers, patients and case managers.  The materials aimed at case managers focus on risk factors and offer useful tips and references for patient education. Fact sheets for patients and caregivers are written in plain language and include discussion points about complications, medications, lifestyle changes and risk factors. There is also a checklist for speaking to their doctor to learn more.

"Case managers can access these resources to help patients make decisions that align with their personal values, needs and preferences, using the best available evidence for screening, treatment, and condition management," said Patrice Sminkey, the Commission's CEO.  "When the patient has a clear picture of the path forward, commitment to it comes more easily because there's personal ownership and understanding. Communicating clearly and ensuring information is understood is part of the case manager's daily role."

The Diabetes Case Manager Toolkit is accessed through the Commission's Case Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK®), the detailed, comprehensive knowledge resource for case managers to access authoritative content authored by subject matter experts and peer-reviewed for validity. The resources are available at no cost at www.cmbodyofknowledge.com.

About the Commission for Case Manager Certification
The Commission for Case Manager Certification (the Commission) is the first and largest nationally accredited organization that certifies more than 37,000 professional case managers. The Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that oversees the process of case manager certification with its CCM^® credential. The Commission is positioned as the most active and prestigious certification organization supporting the practice of case management. For more information, visit www.ccmcertification.org, connect with the Commission on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CCM_Cert.    

SOURCE Commission for Case Manager Certification

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http://www.ccmcertification.org