Evidence-based early stage type 2 diabetes follow-up in Belgian primary care practices: Impact of multi-professional teams and care protocols

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this research is to explore the current early-stage diabetes mellitus type 2 care in Belgian general practices. This, to find out if the care is provided according to the proposed evidence-based national diabetes care guideline. Additionally, this research aims to detect which person and practice characteristics can be associated with a more evidence-based care provision.

Methods: People were included in the study if they were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by the participating practice. Practice and person characteristics, and clinical parameter monitoring and lifestyle monitoring data were collected by using a questionnaire and a topic list.

Results: A total of 27 general practices participated and a total of 249 people were included through their patient records. People monitored in a practice according to a self-developed protocol were 5.5 times more likely to have a better clinical parameter follow-up. Larger practices (>2000 patients), follow-up by general practitioners and practice nurses together and according to self-developed protocols were associated with a significantly better lifestyle follow-up.

Conclusion: Practices providing multidisciplinary diabetes care, in collaboration with practice nurses, and with diabetes care based on self-developed protocols achieved a more comprehensive follow-up.

Keywords: Care protocol; Diabetes mellitus type 2; Multidisciplinary collaboration; Practice nurse; Primary care.