Dr Elizabeth Dickson (QUT) and Dr Malcolm Smith (Griffith University) are collaborating on research projects for the Australian Diabetes Education Association and Diabetes Australia. Both organisations are committed to improving the health and well-being of around 1.7 million Australians living with diabetes.
In September 2018, The Australian Government announced that it would allocate 6 million dollars to fund the development of a training program for school staff supporting around 6000 Australian school students with type 1 diabetes. The program will address current inconsistencies in the level of support offered to students in Australian schools. It is of particular concern that not all Australian students with type 1 diabetes have access to school based assistance with and supervision of insulin delivery and blood glucose monitoring. Elizabeth and Malcolm conducted a review of relevant law and policy applicable to the safe delivery of insulin at school.
In 2019 Elizabeth and Malcolm have been conducting a similar review of law and policy as applicable to the safe administration by carers of insulin to people with diabetes and another disability that prevents self-administration.
This type of research is a great example of academics making an impact in the real world.
