Non‐attendance at a diabetes transitional clinic and glycaemic control

Abstract

AbstractYoung patients with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to long‐term complications, and require a carefully planned transition to adult diabetes care. As clinic non‐attendance has been identified as an issue for transitional clinics, we audited our well established clinic to look at non‐attendance rates, and to examine the characteristics of those who miss transitional clinic appointments.We conducted a retrospective analysis of audit data from the diabetes transitional clinic in January to December 2004, and September 2007 to September 2008.The results showed that 40/53 patients missed at least one appointment in 2004, compared to 19/61 in 2007–8 (p<0.0001). There was no reduction in HbA1c in this group (2004: median HbA1c 9.4% [range 6.8–13.2%]; 2007–8: median HbA1c 9.7% [range 5.7–14.0%[). In 2007–8, the non‐attender group had higher HbA1c (full attenders: median [range] HbA1c 8.9% [5.7–12.7%]; those who missed at least one appointment: HbA1c 10.3% [7.7–14.0%]; p<0.001), and were older (non‐attenders mean [SD] 18.0 [1.10] years, full attenders 17.3 [1.17] years). Sex and type of diabetes did not affect ‘did not attend’ rates.Those who miss diabetes transitional clinic appointments have poorer glycaemic control, although non‐attendance is complex and may be due to a variety of reasons. New strategies to help young people deal with their diabetes are needed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.