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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 2006 May 1;97(3):241–247. doi: 10.1007/BF03405595

Rationale and Implementation of the SLICK Project

Screening for Limb, I-Eye, Cardiovascular and Kidney (SLICK) Complications in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in Alberta’s First Nations Communities

Shainoor Virani 120, David Strong 120, Matthew Tennant 220, Mark Greve 220, Heather Young 320, Sandra Shade 320, Mebs Kanji 420, Ellen Toth 520,✉; Implementation Committee of the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative620
PMCID: PMC6975836  PMID: 16827417

Abstract

Objective: Identifying diabetes complications through screening using portable laboratory equipment in Aboriginal communities, and providing education and client empowerment for improved follow-up care and self-care.

Participants: First Nations people with known diabetes.

Setting: Screening was carried out in temporary clinics and laboratories set up at the local health centre in each of Alberta’s 44 First Nations.

Intervention: Two mobile units (“SLICK vans”), equipped with professionally trained staff, portable lab instruments and a retinal camera, travelled to all 44 Alberta First Nations communities to facilitate implementation of the Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The project provided relevant education and counselling in conjunction with screening activities.

Outcomes: SLICK screened 1,151 clients between December 2001 and July 2003, and the project remains ongoing. A preliminary evaluation of the project’s 19-month implementation period showed screening activities and satisfaction with diabetes services were low prior to SLICK. There were modest improvements in some program outcomes at 6–12 months follow-up.

Conclusion: The SLICK project is designed to address the impact of diabetes by utilizing evidence-based CPGs with respect to screening for complications at the community level. It had a successful implementation period facilitated by community acceptance.

MeSH terms: Aboriginal, North American, type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetes-related complications, screening, mobile health units, rural communities

Footnotes

(Previously Department of Community Medicine, University of Calgary)

(Previously First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Health Canada)

Sources of funding: Initial funding from Canadian Health Infostructure Partnership Program (CHIPP), Office of the Information Highway, Health Canada. Ongoing funding through Health Canada (FNIHB) and the University of Alberta.

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