Dr Foster Intelligence | Case studies

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Success stories

This type of social marketing is a simple thing, but it works - and the same principles can be applied to any chronic condition

Grace Vanterpool Diabetes Clinical Lead, Slough PCT

Slough Primary Care Trust

Problem

Out of the seven per cent of Slough's residents that may have diabetes, only half of that number knew it was a possibility.

Solution

A tailor-made awareness campaign for Slough PCT called Action Diabetes was created, targeting specific residential areas. Local diabetes patients, acting as volunteer health counsellors, visited the individuals that DFI had identified as high risk. A mobile testing bus went to workplaces and shopping and leisure centres. The campaign also included a free health magazine, health information provided in several different languages, celebrity support and local media coverage.

Results

The first three months saw a 164% increase in early detection of diabetes. "This type of social marketing is a simple thing, but it works - and the same principles can be applied to any chronic condition." Grace Vanterpool, diabetes clinical lead, Slough PCT.