Application of a Diabetes Managed Care Program: The feasibility of using nurses and a computer system to provide effective care

• DOI: 10.2337/diacare.21.7.1037
• Publication Date: 2007-03-05T22:51:27Z
• Authors: Anne L Peters; Mayer B Davidson
• Keywords: Veterans Affairs; Medical record

Treatment of patients with diabetes often falls short recommended process and outcome guidelines. To improve the quality provided care, a program (the Comprehensive Diabetes Care Service [CDCS]) using computerizing tracking recall system in conjunction nurses following protocols was implemented managed care setting. The impact this studied compared to another setting.Patients followed CDCS who completed education course were group model health maintenance organization (GMH) also course. received routine program. GMH came yearly have evaluation. A chart review performed on their outpatient records.Initial HbA1c levels higher than (median 11.9 vs. 10.0%). In patients, not only fell significantly but lower (P < 0.05) during 2nd 3rd year follow-up care. There no significant changes patients. When divided into compliant noncompliant median 8.2%, 11.5% group. needed treatment for hypercholesterolemia more likely lowering cholesterol All measures, such as measurement levels, lipid foot retinal exams, occurred much frequently patients.The developed managing improved both measures. comparison group, at setting, consistent average (suboptimal) U.S. Therefore, by innovative systems management, can be greatly improved.