At a glance
Creating and maintaining a referral network is critical to the long-term success of DSMES services. Use these tips to establish an effective referral network.
Find a referral champion
Identify a provider in the community who refers people with diabetes to DSMES services. Encourage them to speak with other providers in the area about the benefits of referring people to DSMES services.
Promote DSMES services
To people with diabetes
Create promotional materials for the DSMES service, such as:
- A website
- Brochures
- Handouts
- Quarterly newsletters
- Social media posts
Use these communications to educate and empower people with diabetes to ask their provider for a referral to DSMES.
To providers
Promote the DSMES service to:
- Local health clinics and hospitals that aren't providing DSMES.
- Providers treating people with diabetes.
Provide resources to facilitate referral to the DSMES service (such as a checklist for referring people with diabetes or a link to a referral form). Consider creating the following items that referring practices can adopt:
- Standing orders
- Care pathways
- Worklflows
Resources to promote DSMES
Build partnerships
Identify and partner with registered dietitians, podiatrists, diabetes retinopathy specialists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, wound specialists, pharmacists, mental health providers, dentists, and others.
Enlist their help in encouraging providers to refer people with diabetes to DSMES. Specialty providers may not make direct referrals, but they can help increase interest in DSMES services.
Consider building relationships with workplace wellness services. To reach older adults, work with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for referral assistance. Many AAAs are accredited or recognized DSMES providers, but if not, they can recommend other DSMES services to their clients. AAAs can also help address barriers to participation, such as helping provide transportation to the DSMES service.
Engage community organizations
Consider engaging community businesses and organizations, such as:
- Barber shops
- Beauty salons
- Faith-based organizations
- YMCAs
- Civic organizations
Community outreach
Here are some ideas for partnering with community organizations:
- Collaborate with local service and education providers.
- Provide diabetes information through print and digital media.
- Connect with local physical activity programs or resources.
- Offer additional community support services, such as cooking classes.
- Offer diabetes support groups.
- Conduct community health fairs or diabetes expos.
- Incorporate DSMES into non-classroom activities such as exercise classes or supermarket tours.