Advocacy News

Our AACE advocacy efforts are crucial to advancing the field of endocrinology and improving patient care. Through our initiatives, we influence health policy, promote research, and ensure that the voices of clinical endocrinologists and care team members are heard in legislative and regulatory processes. Through advocacy, we strive to support the development of new treatment guidelines and protect access to quality care for patients with endocrine disorders. To keep you up to date on our ongoing advocacy initiatives, we have a dedicated advocacy news section on our website. This dynamic resource offers timely updates on our efforts to shape policy and advance endocrine care through legislative action. I encourage you to explore our new advocacy page to learn how AACE is working to make a positive impact on clinical endocrinology.

AACE Patient Journeys

As the premier source for evidence-based information on endocrine care, we are continuing to develop patient journeys that align with our clinical practice guidelines, written in patient-friendly language. Our Journey for Patients With Thyroid Disease, Journey for Patients With Obesity, and Patient Journey of Diabetes Technology translate the complex science behind these conditions into accessible roadmaps for patients. These resources guide patients through diagnosis, treatment options, and remission, making it easier to understand what to expect no matter where they are in their personal journey.

I'm pleased to announce that we've added new resources for patients with obesity, including an educational video on how to navigate their journey, a self-knowledge quiz, and a sharable infographic. I encourage you to refer your patients to our website as we expand our patient content.

AACE Community

In June, we launched our new AACE Community online platform — a dynamic space for members to connect, engage in discussions, and explore the latest advancements in clinical endocrinology. I'm thrilled to share that we have seen significant activity in our specialized Topical Interest Groups: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Clinical Endocrinology Community and Endocrine Disruptors Community. This month, I would like to highlight the discussion topic of gamification in diabetes management. Developing a diabetes management ecosystem based on rewards, similar to playing a game, could be a highly effective approach. I invite you to share your insights by joining the conversation here. To comment, log in with your AACE account. If you are not yet a member, learn how to join at aace.com/join.

Become a Vaccine Champion

AACE has been involved in a 5-year Centers for Disease Control (CDC) grant to help improve vaccination rates among adults with diabetes. To support endocrine health care professionals, practices, and patients, we have been developing resources and tools for adults with diabetes.

For health care professionals, the starting point would be our clinical guidelines and management algorithms for patients with diabetes. We have adopted the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP’s) vaccine recommendations and fully support the CDC's Standards for Adult Immunization Practice. We have also developed podcasts, videos, and a pocket guide that every endocrine care team member could use.

Additionally, through our work with several health system partners, we have been able to share lessons learned from colleagues' quality improvement projects. These include workflow assessments, system changes, and Electronic Health Records enhancements.

For practices, we have created a comprehensive poster detailing recommended vaccines that can be featured in exam rooms along with several coding resources.

For patients, we offer downloadable vaccine "Bingo Cards" designed to help patients see for themselves which vaccines are recommended and recognize when they may be due to receive a vaccine. The Bingo Cards are available in nine different languages!

With flu season around the corner, now is the ideal time to ensure your practice is ready to support your adult patients with diabetes in their vaccinations. Visit aace.com/immunization to review all these tools and read about success stories from your colleagues involved in vaccination quality improvement projects.