Purpose: This study was conducted to determine how time is allocated to diabetes care.
Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes who were receiving care from the internal medicine residents were shadowed by research nurses to observe the process of management. The amount of time spent with patients and the care provided were observed and documented.
Results: The total time patients spent in the clinic averaged 2 hours and 26 minutes: 1 to 9 minutes waiting, 25 minutes with the resident, and 12 minutes with medical assistants and nurses. The residents spent an average of only 5 minutes on diabetes. Glucose monitoring was addressed in 70% of visits; a history of hypoglycemia was sought in only 30%. Blood pressure values were mentioned in 75% of visits; hemoglobin A1c (A1C) values were addressed in only 40%. The need for proper foot care was discussed in 55% of visits; feet were examined in only 40%. Although 65% of patients had capillary glucose levels greater than 150 mg/dL during the visit and their A1C averaged 8.9%, therapy was intensified for only 15% of patients.
Conclusions: During a routine office visit in a resident-staffed general medicine clinic, little time is devoted to diabetes management. Given the time pressures on the primary care practitioner and the need for better diabetes care, it is essential to teach an efficient but systematic approach to diabetes care.