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Vol 37, (6) 490–492

Quality of diabetes care - A comparison of division diabetes registers

Jane Taggart MPH, BEd, DipEd(PE), is Research Fellow, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales.

Qing Wan MBBS, MMed, MPH, is Research Officer, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales.

Mark F Harris MBBS, FRACGP, MD, is Executive Director, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales.

Gawaine Powell Davies BA, MHP, is CEO and Director, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales.

BACKGROUND Several recent government policies aim to narrow the gap between optimal and current quality of care in the management of type 2 diabetes. This study examines trends in the quality of care and intermediate outcomes for patients between 1995 and 2004.

METHODS Two dissimilar divisions of general practice in Sydney's southwest gathered diabetes patient data from 1995–2004 from participating general practices. Variables included frequency of assessment, body mass index, glycosylated haemoglobin, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol.

RESULTS Positive and significant changes occurred in glycosylated haemoglobin, total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure for patients in both divisions, though the mean values did not achieve guideline targets. There was no significant change in body mass index. There were significant differences between the divisions in most variables.

DISCUSSION The current package of incentives and supports for diabetes care in general practice may be having a positive effect, however with more than half of the patients in this study having suboptimal control of their diabetes, there is a clear need for further systematic and multidisciplinary support.

Publication Date: 26 May 2008
Authorised By: Australian Family Physician