Analysis of the healthcare process of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated comorbidity treated in Spain's National Health System: A perspective of medical professionals. IMAGINE study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo analyze the care received by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and comorbidity in Spain's National Health System. Patients and methodsCross-sectional study using an online survey. A total of 302 family physicians, internists and endocrinologists participated in the study. The participants were recruited voluntarily by their respective scientific societies and received no remuneration. ResultsPatients with DM2 and comorbidity are mostly treated in Primary Care (71.8%). Forty percent are referred to hospital care, mainly due to renal failure, poor glycaemic control and for a retinopathy assessment. Only 52% of those surveyed conducted medication reconciliation in the transition between healthcare levels. Fifty-eight percent reported conducting interconsultations, clinical meetings or consultancies between healthcare levels. The 3 main factors identified for improving the follow-up and control of DM2 with comorbidity were the multidisciplinary study (80.8%), the continuing education of health professionals (72.3%) and therapeutic education programs (72%). A lack of time, a lack of qualified personnel for lifestyle interventions and organizational shortcomings were mentioned as the main obstacles for improving the care of these patients. ConclusionsMost patients with DM2 and comorbidity are treated in Primary Care. Promoting multidisciplinary care and training programs for practitioners and patients can help improve the quality of care. Therapy reconciliation represents a priority area for improvement in this population.