An innovative multi-disciplinary diabetes complications screening program in a rural community: A description and preliminary results of the screening

This paper describes an innovative multi-disciplinary pilot project/or people living in rural north-east Victoria and southern New South Wales that focused on screening for diabetes complications. Participants enrolled for the diabetes screening through media announcements. A total of 91 participants were screened, 14 with diabetes. Screening tests included 12lead ECG, ankle-brachial index, monofilament sensitivity, retinal photography as well as blood biochemistry. Twenty-six participants were referred to their general practitioners with cardiovascular anomalies, eight had retinal vasculature changes indicating diabetes, and 26 had foot problems that warranted podiatric assessment. Thisproject illustrates that a university based screening clinic is feasible, can be operated in conjunction with major research projects and results in significant community benefit. Serious health issues were identified in 31% of the study population. Without involvement in the screening, these people's medical conditions may have otherwise remained hidden, potentially leading to significant health problems.