Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention for diabetes management

J Healthc Qual. 2003 May-Jun;25(3):26-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2003.tb01056.x.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and test two interventions designed to improve provider compliance with diabetes management guidelines: the use of a diabetes management flowsheet inserted into patient charts and the use of a diabetes management flowsheet plus quarterly provider feedback about compliance levels. Diabetic patient charts from six family practice clinics were randomly selected and audited at baseline and at 12 months. The analysis indicated that the use of the flowsheet was associated with improved provider compliance in the completion of foot examinations only. Providers involved in the study believed that the process of the flowsheet plus feedback contributed to their greater awareness of diabetes management guidelines.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Data Collection / methods
  • Demography
  • Diabetes Mellitus / economics
  • Diabetes Mellitus / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus / therapy*
  • Disease Management*
  • Family Practice / organization & administration
  • Family Practice / standards*
  • Feedback
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Guideline Adherence*
  • Humans
  • Institutional Management Teams
  • Male
  • Medical Audit
  • Models, Organizational
  • Societies, Medical
  • Software Design
  • Total Quality Management / methods*
  • United States

Substances

  • Glycated Hemoglobin A