CTC would like to congratulate Karen Sciamacco, RN, BS, CCM, CDOE, Nurse Care Manager at Associates in Primary Care Medicine in Warwick, RI, who was recently recognized as Certified Diabetes Outpatient Educator (CDOE) of the year.

"I was very honored to be recognized," said Karen, who spoke with CTC about the recognition and her work as a Nurse Care Manager. "Every day there are successes. I get up in the morning and know this is where I should be right now." Karen indeed has had many successes and she shared one example that illustrated the partnerships she creates with patients who have diabetes and their family members, and how this joint work has resulted in significant patient health care improvements.

The patient, a 44-year-old male with unique learning needs, was diagnosed with type two diabetes and had a HbA1c of 10.6. Karen and her team worked together with the patient and his mother to provide him with diabetes education, a unique care plan, and worked with his insurance to obtain a glucometer and insulin pen. During a follow up visit, the patient's HbA1c had elevated to 11.3. The patient shared that he was not testing his blood sugar and did not want to prick his finger, so Karen and her care team worked with the patient and his mother to create a plan that addressed his specific needs. Since then, the patient has shown a willingness to learn how to self-manage and accept assistance from his family members to successfully manage his chronic condition. The patient has regular visits with his primary care physician and meets with Karen every 1-2 weeks. He attends diabetes group visits held at the primary care office and has learned to make healthier food choices. Recently the patient reported a HbA1c of 6.2, a four point decrease from the year before. 

The key to success is understanding the patient and family needs and strengths. According to Karen, "Each patient has a unique set of circumstances and barriers that I work with and find solutions for." 

Each day, nurse care managers, primary care providers and other health team members' work with patients and their families to help manage their health care needs in unique and innovative ways.  This joint work, many times, drastically improves health care outcomes.  Karen is one of 18 nurse care managers in CTC who are certified diabetes outpatient educators and work every day to save lives and improve quality of life.