Strategic planning for diabetes that speaks to the coalition and community

Background: Nearly 400,000 Virginians have diabetes and that number increases each year. In 2007, the Virginia Diabetes Council (VDC) engaged consultants to conduct a collaborative statewide assessment and planning process that engaged coalition members, key experts and diverse community organizations and individuals to identify and promote best practices for diabetes prevention, control, and treatment in Virginia.

Methods: VDC members were involved early in the assessment process to review other state diabetes plans, agree on elements of a quality plan, develop and participate in Diabetes Dialogues in 7 geographic regions of the state, and collect data via key informant interviews and on-line surveys. Subsequent planning sessions helped members develop goals, objectives and interventions for identified needs and priority groups as part of a comprehensive plan.

Results: The 7 Dialogues involved 89 participants (24% VDC members). Of these, 53% were familiar with VDC and 39% were aware of 1998 Virginia Diabetes Plan. Twenty key informants participated in the assessment: 10 telephone interviews and 10 on-line surveys. Subsequent planning sessions led to the development a state plan with 22 goals and 68 objectives organized around 8 strategic initiatives: VDC Capacity Building, Surveillance and Evaluation, Prevention, Education and Empowerment, Access to Care, Quality of Care, Research, and Advocacy. The Virginia Diabetes Plan 2007-2017 was completed in 6 months, involved over 130 stakeholders and was endorsed by VDC in October 2007.

Conclusion: With training and technical assistance, coalitions can develop comprehensive, strategic plans that reflect diverse stakeholder needs and are more likely to be effective.