Assessing the impact of conducting an essential public health services assessment in diabetes prevention control programs

Abstract

aims: To discuss the Essential Public Health Services assessment, the importance of completing DPCPs and how this can lead to quality improvements in diabetes care. background: The goal of the Essential Public Health Services (EPHS) assessment is to promote continuous quality improvements. In 2002, the Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT) recommended that state Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs (DPCPs) complete an EPHS assessment and use the findings of this assessment to develop a state Performance Improvement Plan/s (PIP) and a Diabetes Strategic Plan. Methods: DPCP data submitted to the DDT’s Management Information System (MIS) were reviewed using several evaluation criteria, including the completion of an EPHS assessment; completion of one or more PIPs; completion of a diabetes strategic plan addressing quality improvement issues identified during the assessment; and a review of how current DPCP efforts, as described in their work plans, aligned with the findings of the assessment. results: MIS searches revealed that, in 2008, 58 of 59 DPCPs (98%) completed an EPHS assessment. Three DPCPs used the original EPHS assessment; fifty six (56) DPCPs used a modified version. By 2005, 39 of 59 of DPCPs (66%) completed a PIP, and by 2008, 90% of programs had completed at least one PIP. Additionally, two programs completed more than one PIP during the five year funding period. An analysis of the top three priorities identified by all DPCPs during the assessment revealed several quality improvement themes, such as: health systems improvement, partnerships, surveillance, prevention and wellness, advocacy and policy, professional education and training, disparities, evaluation, and communication. Other priorities included community programs, research promotion, assessment and planning, integration, systems approach to diabetes, social marketing and health care reform. In 2005, 61% of all funded programs had a diabetes strategic plan in place and that number rose to 85% in 2008. In 2008, analysis of MIS reports and a review of current work plan templates indicated that more than 85% of the work of the DPCPs showed direct alignment to the EPHS assessment findings. Discussion/conclusions Conducting EPHS assessments and using the data for continued quality improvement activities can have significant impact on DPCPs. This assessment allowed states to identify priority areas and assisted in the development of work plans to address quality improvement concerns. The alignment of the DPCP work plans to the findings of their EPHS is critical in ensuring that DPCPs work to address gaps, and work to strengthen the diabetes public health system. DDT will need to continue to work with DPCPs to ensure that work plans are aligned with the EPHS assessment findings, so that critical gains can be maintained across the diabetes pubic health system.