Education and support is the foundation for improved quality of life and clinical outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and we are proud to partner with RWJ Barnabas Health to share information about their Chronic Illness Management Program for people living with T1D.

The Chronic Illness Management Program at Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) is designed for children, up to age 21, with chronic, life-altering conditions that affect their daily lives. Examples of such conditions include, but are not limited to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders, and organ transplants.

At CSH, our individualized approach follows a multidisciplinary model and behavioral approach to care that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of each patient over a (typically) four-week program. The goal for each child is always to improve self-management of the disease. Additionally, since parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their child’s health, we encourage parent/caregiver participation in medical education, nutritional and psychological counseling sessions to ensure the greatest success. This allows caregivers to feel more confident in supporting their child with a chronic illness after being discharged home.

At the conclusion of an inpatient stay, our expectation is that each patient is significantly more independent at managing their medical condition. This means we help patients work with their outpatient medical treatment team, school, and community-based agencies to ensure success once they return home. To further support patients and families, follow up is offered at three, six, and 12 months post inpatient hospitalization with our multidisciplinary team.

Our Chronic Illness Management Program is imperative to the diabetes community specifically as it is the only program of its kind in the tristate area offering a multidisciplinary team approach at improving disease specific fund of knowledge, psychological wellbeing, physical and biological health, and developing behavioral modifications aimed at improving compliance with plans of care. In fact, the program has proven significant improvements in physical, biological and psychological health; disease-specific knowledge; and has shown a decrease in emergency healthcare use.

Laura Gimenez, Clinical Dietitian at Children’s Specialized Hospital says working with the patients and families of the chronic illness management program has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling professional experiences of her career. “I have learned firsthand, through our patients, the challenges that those with diabetes face on a daily basis,” she shared. “The CIMP addresses these real-life challenges and executes practical, situational methods of teaching for patients and families looking to learn or sharpen their skills associated with diabetic care. Diabetes is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment; I am proud to be a member of a team that does this successfully.”

For seventeen-year-old Ariely Garcia, she feels that the CIMP prepared her even more than she could have ever imagined in taking control of her diabetes. She said, “I told my mom and my doctor that I wanted to come back to Children’s Specialized Hospital, said Ariely. I knew the program had everything I needed to take control of my diabetes again.”

To learn more about the Chronic Illness Management Program at Children’s Specialized Hospital or to request an appointment or more information, visit rwjbh.org/childrensspecialized.