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Description
The aim of the project is to increase the social leverage of people with type 1 diabetes by way of raising the capacity of ELDÜ to conduct effective advocacy. Two surveys will be conducted in the framework of the project.
First, to assess the results of the work done over the past 10 years, it is necessary to conduct a follow-up study on the quality of life of children with type 1 diabetes and their families. Analyzing the results will allow for the evaluation of the impact of ELDÜ''s efforts and the planning of future activities in the fields of advocacy and the development of social services.
Secondly, there is a lack of studies and analyses in Estonia regarding adults with type 1 diabetes, which would help understand their needs. It is known that nearly 50% of them have partial or complete incapacity for work. Poor diabetes control leads to numerous complications such as blindness, cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, and amputations. Better understanding of the daily life constraints, obstacles to employment, the impact of the disease on the quality of life, deficiencies in patient education, and uncovered needs for medical supplies will make ELDÜ''s advocacy and policy work more effective and helps develop research-based policy proposals.
Final beneficiaries of the project are people with type 1 diabetes whose wellbeing will improve as a result of more effective advocacy activities.
The main target groups include government agencies responsible for the social sector: Ministry of Social Affairs, Health Insurance Fund, Social Insurance Board, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Health Development Institute, and healthcare professionals dealing with patients with diabetes.
Summary of project results
The objective of the project was to increase the social influence of people with type 1 diabetes and to increase the transparency of the principles and activities of advocating for them. In the framework of the project, a survey was conducted to assess the factors that influence the quality of life of people with type 1 diabetes, their need for support services and medical equipment, and other health-related challenges they face. As a result of the survey, the Project Promoter became better aware of the every day needs of their target group and obstacles that they face in securing necessary services they need in order to cope with their illness.
Based on the results of the survey, the Project Promoter assessed the success of their current advocacy activities and made the advocacy action plan for the next five years in order to combat health-related inequality and promote a people-focused approach in healthcare.