Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can result in disability and early death. A multidisciplinary team approach actively engaging the patient has been shown to improve outcomes.
Aim: To compare outcomes for completion of the cycle of care (CoC) for patients managed by General Practioner (GP) only compared to those managed by both GP and Diabetes Educator (DE)
Method: Data including HbA1c, Lipid Studies, Feet Examination, Eye Examination was retrieved via Medical Director (MD) and Trakcare Program with cross referencing between both systems.
Results: Results showed marked differences in completion of the diabetes CoC between patients that attended the DE and those that did not. Routine monitoring of HbA1c was achieved in 100% of patients in the DE group compared to 25% in GP Care only. Results also indicate that the patients attending the DE were more likely to have all other regular monitoring such as neurovascular feet examination (75%) and annual eye examination (95%) completed.
GPs identified lack of a uniform system for recording information as a major barrier to successfully completing the CoC for their patients.
Conclusion: The data shows that client’s linked to DE services are more likely to complete their cycle of care. Based on the results of the GP survey, a reliable register/reminder/recall system is important and needs to be in place to improve outcomes.