Young Adults offered an interactive waiting room experience

Young diabetes patients who need regular appointments are seen by a range of specialists and often face waiting times at their clinic now have access to an interactive patient waiting room.

The team of doctors, dietitians, psychologists, psychiatrists and diabetes nurse educators at Queensland Diabetes and Endocrine Centre at Mater in collaboration with Mater Young Adult Health Centre and through funding from Mater Foundation developed an interactive patient waiting room.

Patient feedback identified the need for a space that was specific to the age group. A space that was able to provide entertainment during waits as well as a place to interact with other patients.

The waiting room has been a revelation for Joanne and her son Luke who often struggled with the wait times when he was due for his check-ups.

Luke who is intellectually impaired was diagnosed with Diabetes in 2010 at the age of 11. To manage his condition he needs regular check-ups and in the past these have been stressful for both Luke and his mum.

Joanne said Luke has always been inpatient and often would become agitated waiting to see Doctors and other specialists.

“When Luke transitioned to the Mater Young Adults Diabetes Clinic we were thrilled to hear about the interactive waiting room.”

‘All the staff were so lovely and accommodating and there was so much to keep Luke occupied while we waited for his appointments. The new program suits Luke to a tee; it’s the dream environment for someone like Luke who has no patience when it comes to waiting,”

“The PlayStation, big screen TV, freshly baked muffins all make it a much more relaxed experience for both Luke and I.” said Joanne.

The interactive waiting room is staffed with the help of Mater Volunteers, talking to the patients and providing healthy snacks including freshly baked muffins.

The service provides care to patients aged from 16 to 25 years of age and a transition service for patient’s transitioning from paediatric to your adult care at Mater.

Dr Helen Barrett, Director of Endocrinology, Queensland Diabetes and Endocrine Centre said the space has been developed in response to patient needs and to help ease the strain during waiting.

“Patients were seeking a space to interact with each other and the new interactive waiting room is the ideal environment for this to take place.

“It also provides an opportunity for healthy snacks to made on site and used as an educational tool to demonstrate the importance of understanding how may carbohydrates might be in your snacks,” said Dr Barrett.

Note:

Funds were donated by Mater Foundation, to Mater Volunteers via a “Childs Play” fund. 

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