Diabetes Mellitus In Primary Care Research Articles

External validation of the Hong Kong Chinese non-laboratory risk models and scoring algorithm for case finding of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus in primary care.

Two Hong Kong Chinese non-laboratory-based prediabetes/diabetes mellitus (pre-DM/DM) risk models were developed using logistic regression (LR) and machine learning, respectively. We aimed to evaluate the models' validity in case finding of pre-DM/DM in a Chinese primary care (PC) population. We also evaluated the validity of a risk-scoring algorithm derived from the LR model. This was a cross-sectional external validation study on Chinese adults, without a prior DM diagnosis, who were recruited from public/private PC clinics in Hong Kong. A total of 1,237 participants completed a questionnaire on the models' predictors. Of that, 919 underwent blood glucose testing. The primary outcome was the models' and the algorithm's sensitivity in finding pre-DM/DM cases. The secondary outcomes were the models' and the algorithm's specificity, positive/negative predictive values, discrimination and calibration. The models' sensitivity were 0.70 (machine learning) and 0.72 (LR). Both showed good external discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: machine learning 0.744, LR 0.739). The risks estimated by the models were lower than the observed incidence, indicating poor calibration. Both models were more effective among participants with lower pretest probabilities; that is, age 18-44 years. The algorithm's sensitivity was 0.77 at the cut-off score of ≥16 out of 41. This study showed the validity of the models and the algorithm for finding pre-DM/DM cases in a Chinese PC population in Hong Kong. They can facilitate more cost-effective identification of high-risk individuals for blood testing to diagnose pre-DM/DM in PC. Further studies should recalibrate the models for more precise risk estimation in PC populations.

291-OR: A Noninvasive Index for Significant Liver Fibrosis and Stratifying Risk of Cirrhosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care

291-OR: A Noninvasive Index for Significant Liver Fibrosis and Stratifying Risk of Cirrhosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care

Instrument for assessing the performance of nursing professionals in primary health care of Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: According to the WHO, diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces. Objective: Design an instrument that allows for the assessment of nursing performance in Diabetes Mellitus in primary care. Method: Research with a quantitative approach, experimental, descriptive, and transversal design. Development of an instrument to determine its reliability and content validity. The sample used for the evaluation of internal reliability was made up of 10 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who are treated in the health centers of zone 3 belonging to the Pelileo Canton, Province of Tungurahua, who agreed to collaborate with the research, to check the understanding of the questions and the operation of the instrument. Internal consistency was determined by calculating Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Results: Expert professionals in diabetes mellitus assessed the pertinence, relevance, and clarity of the 20 items divided into four dimensions, qualifying them as applicable. The internal consistency of Cronbach's Alpha was 0.97, which demonstrates that the formulation of the items is reasonable, satisfactorily defined, and suitable in the presence of the questionnaire. Conclusions. The results obtained to evaluate the instrument and the application of the pilot test were adequate. This valid and reliable instrument justifies its use in the research field. The instrument is easy and quick to apply, allowing us to know the perception of patients with Diabetes Mellitus about the care received by the nursing staff in the PHC.

Association between onychomycosis and ulcerative complications in patients with diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study in Dutch general practice

IntroductionDiabetic foot ulcers are feared complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), requiring extensive treatment and hospital admissions, ultimately leading to amputation and increased mortality. Different factors contribute to the development of...

Depression, and Drug Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Depression stands out as the predominant risk factor among Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. Depression and its association with drug adherence in T2DM patients are lacking in Bahrain. The current study aimed to examine the association depression in relation to drug adherence in T2DM in primary care centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 455 people with T2DM. Data on demographics, risk behavior, and diabetes details were noted. Measuring tools such as patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure depression severity, and General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) were used to assess medical adherence respectively. Categorical variables and continuous variables were presented in a frequency table and mean ± SD/ Median (Min, Max) respectively. The data was analyzed using SPSS 24.0 software. The statistical significance threshold was set at p=0.05. The study involved participants with an average age of 54.5 ± 11.5 (M±SD) years. The frequency of depression based on PHQ-9 and medical adherence as per GMAS among T2DM patients was 30.5% and 79.1% respectively. There was a significant association between the prevalence of depression and adherence (x2 =25.03; P=0.001). Age (r=-0.121; P= 0.010), education (r=-0.096; P=0.040), family income (r=-0.101; P=0.031), physical activity (r=-0.193; P=0.001), and self-rated diabetes control within the last visit (r=-0.200; P=0.001) were significantly negatively correlated with PHQ – 9 scale. Likewise, age (r=-0.231; p=0.001), education (r=-0.123; p=0.008), nationality (r=-0.185; p=0.001), physical activity (r=-0.108; p=0.021), and self-rated diabetes control within the last visit (r=-0.139; p=0.003) were significantly negatively correlated with the GMAS scale. Our findings suggest that medical adherence is linked to depression. Age, height, education, family income, physical activity, and self-rated diabetes control in the previous visit are all important factors that are correlated to depression and drug adherence.

Improving Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care

No abstract available.

Evaluation of the Tinnitus Teleconsulting System's Back-Referral Program for National Health Insurance Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care.

One of the techniques available through Social Security healthcare organizations to assist the government in the implementation of social distancing without restricting patients access to particular health treatments is primary healthcare Tinnitus Teleconsulting. The purpose of this research is to gather data on how well the City of South Jakarta's primary medical care Audiology Teleconsulting strategy was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses a qualitative research method and was conducted during November 2022-Mei 2023 at the City of South Jakarta Primary Health Care, the social security agency of health's South Jakarta Branch, and the social security agency of health's Primary Health Care Guarantee Division at the Head Office. Data collection techniques were through Focus Group Discussions, in-depth interviews with key informants, and document review. The results showed that most of the informants already knew the process and output of FKTP Tinnitus Teleconsulting performance; only a few FKTPs did not understand the process and output of policy performance, so even though they acknowledged that they had implemented it, there were no documents recorded in the logbook or electronically recorded patient medical data through the social security agency's health care application. The findings of this study can be used by FKTP and other district or city social security agencies of health to improve the performance achievement of FKTP Tinnitus Teleconsulting implementation.

Abstract #1321561: Prevalence and Management of Renal Impairment in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Specialized Diabetes Clinics in Primary Care in Kingdom of Bahrain

Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Diabetes nephropathy is a preventive disease through proper monitoring of kidney function through estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and glycemic control. There’s a paucity of data regarding the prevalence of diabetes nephropathy in Bahrain, hence this research was performed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes nephropathy, risk factors, and clinical management practice. Considering several factors; the lack of detailed new studies regarding this issue in Kingdom of Bahrain, the majority of ESRD and dialysis cases are diabetic as per registries/audits (unpublished data), this study is conducted with the aim to assess the prevalence and proper management of renal impairment in order to decrease the progression of diabetic nephropathy among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care.

Abstract 13465: Digital Health and Multifaceted Interventions to Help Manage Cardiovascular Patients in a Resource-Constrained Area in Brazil Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation led to a reduction in the number of consultations of patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) , which may cause serious complications. Objective: To assess the effect of the pandemic on the control of hypertension and DM in primary care. Additionally, to develop and assess usability of a digital solution to improve patient monitoring. Methods: Quasi-experimental study. Patients ≽30 years-old with diagnosis of hypertension or DM from 34 primary health care centers from 10 Brazilian municipalities were assessed from Jun/2017 to Dec/2020. Data on the number of consultations, systolic, diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and glycohemoglobin levels were collected. A decision support system (DSS) was developed, to be used by community health workers (CHW), to identify patients with uncontrolled diseases during household visits. Software usability was assessed by a panel of experts. Results: From 5,070 patients (mean age 56.0 [IQR 48.0-62.0], 66.4% women), 94.9% had hypertension and 27.0% DM. There was a significant reduction in the weekly number of consultations before vs. after social restriction, (107 [IQR 60, 153] vs (20 [IQR 7, 29]), p<0.001). Only 772 patients (15.2%) returned for consultation since the beginning of the pandemic. They had lower SBP (120.0, IQR 120.0-140.0 mmHg) and DBP (80.0, IQR 80.0-80.0 mmHg), comparing to individuals who did not return (SBP: 130.0, IQR 120.0-140.0 mmHg; DBP: 80.0, IQR 80.0-90.0 mmHg; p<0.001). There was no difference in glycohemoglobin levels. The expert panel agreed the DSS may identify patients at risk, and can be incorporated into the CHW routine. Up to March 2021, over 17,000 registries were performed using the app. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant reduction in the number of consultations of patients with hypertension and DM in PHC. The DSS was considered useful, and it was well accepted by the CHW.

The Prevalence, Progress and Risk Factor Control of Chronic Kidney Disease in Chinese Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Chinese adults with T2DM in primary care, and the association of HbA1c, blood pressure (BP) and triglycerides (TG), i.e. ABC control at follow up (FU) with the progress and regression of CKD.MethodsA total of 5123 patients with ≥3 measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), HbA1c, BP, LDL-C and TG, and FU ≥ 12 months were included into final analysis. The presence of CKD was defined as the presence of albuminuria (UACR ≥ 30 mg/g), impaired eGFR (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) or both, and was categorised as low, moderate and high/very high risk. The change of CKD risk for outcome was categorised as stable (no change), progress (risk increase) and regress (risk decrease) from baseline to the last visits (LV).ResultsThe prevalence of CKD, impaired eGFR and albuminuria was 29.6%, 5.8% and 27.1% at baseline, with 70.4%, 20.3%, 7.0% and 2.3% of patients distributed in low, moderate, high and very high risk group. There were 3457 (67.5%), 1120 (21.8%) and 546 (10.7%) patients had CKD outcome risk stable, progressed and regressed respectively. The proportion of patients reaching targets of BP ≤ 130/80 mmHg, HbA1c<7.5%, LDL-C<2.60 mmol/L increased from baseline to FU and LV, together with increased usage of insulin, RAS inhibitors and lipid lowering medications. After multivariable adjustment, the HbA1c<7.5% (OR: 0.66, 95%CI 0.56-0.78), TG< 1.7 mmol/L (OR: 0.81, 95%CI 0.68-0.96) at FU and BP ≤ 130/80 mmHg at LV (OR: 0.82, 95%CI 0.70-0.95) was negatively associated with CKD outcome risk progress.ConclusionThe prevalence of CKD was high with 21.8% of patients progressing to higher CKD outcome risk at FU, attention should be paid on long term and better ABC control.

Predictors for successful weight reduction during treatment with Dapagliflozin among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care

AimsStudies on factors affecting weight loss effect after start of dapagliflozin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are few. The aim of this study was to identify if there were any patient characteristics that could predict weight loss after starting treatment with dapagliflozin.MethodsThe study included 200 Korean patients with T2DM who were prescribed dapagliflozin in a family medicine clinic during 2014–2019. We studied patients for 1 year after starting dapagliflozin treatment. Data were collected from medical records. Clinically meaningful weight reduction was defined as ≥3% decrease in body weight and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for succeeding this weight reduction was calculated for different baseline characteristics.ResultsIn total, 113 (56.5%) patients were male. Weight loss of ≥3% in 1 year treatment with dapagliflozin was achieved in 122 (61%) patients. The likelihood of this level of weight loss was significantly increased with regular exercise (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.07–4.25), with concomitant metformin treatment (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.23–6.80), and in patients with normal renal function (OR 13.84, 95% CI 1.33–144.26). Patients receiving sulfonylurea treatment were less likely to achieve ≥3% weight reduction (OR 0.39, 95 CI 0.19–0.79).ConclusionsT2DM patients that performed regular exercise, had normal renal function and were receiving metformin were more likely to have clinically meaningful body weight reduction after one year treatment with dapagliflozin.

Supporting the emotional well-being of patients with diabetes mellitus in primary care.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterised by elevated blood glucose levels that can lead to significant acute and long-term complications. Alongside these physical complications, the condition can have substantial effects on people's emotional well-being, potentially resulting in diabetes distress and/or major depressive disorder. Therefore, timely assessment and referral of patients with diabetes who display signs and symptoms of diabetes distress or other mental health conditions are essential. This article discusses emotional well-being in patients with diabetes, and outlines some diabetes-specific validated assessment tools that can be used in practice. It also discusses the management and appropriate onward referral of people with diabetes who require support.

Interprofessional care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care: family physicians\u2019 perspectives

BackgroundThere is a lack of understanding of the team processes and factors that influence teamwork and medication management practices in the care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of the study was to explore physicians’ perspectives of barriers and facilitators to interprofessional care of patients with T2DM within team-based family practice settings.MethodsThis was a qualitative, descriptive study. Participants included physicians affiliated with a primary care network providing care to patients with T2DM in an interprofessional team-based primary care setting in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Participants’ contact information was obtained from the publicly available College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and respective primary care network websites. Interview questions addressed physicians’ perspectives on factors or processes that facilitated and hindered the care and medication management of adult patients with T2DM in primary care team-based clinical practice. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis and a constant comparative approach.ResultsA total of 15 family physicians participated in individual interviews. Family physicians identified facilitators of interprofessional team-based care and medication management of patients with T2DM in three theme areas—access to team members and programs, knowledgeable and skilled health professionals, and provision of patient education by other health professionals. Two themes emerged as barriers to interprofessional care – lack of provider continuity and the loss of skills from delegation of tasks.ConclusionFamily physicians perceive both benefits and risks to interprofessional team-based care in caring for patients with T2DM. Successful functioning of team-based care in family practice will require overcoming traditional professional roles.

Pandemic-Related Impairment in the Monitoring of Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes and the Development of a Digital Solution for the Community Health Worker: Quasiexperimental and Implementation Study.

BackgroundThe restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic reduced health service access by patients with chronic diseases. The discontinuity of care is a cause of great concern, mainly in vulnerable regions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) regarding the frequency of consultations and whether their disease was kept under control. The study also aimed to develop and implement a digital solution to improve monitoring at home.MethodsThis is a multimethodological study. A quasiexperimental evaluation assessed the impact of the pandemic on the frequency of consultations and control of patients with hypertension and DM in 34 primary health care centers in 10 municipalities. Then, an implementation study developed an app with a decision support system (DSS) for community health workers (CHWs) to identify and address at-risk patients with uncontrolled hypertension or DM. An expert panel assessment evaluated feasibility, usability, and utility of the software.ResultsOf 5070 patients, 4810 (94.87%) had hypertension, 1371 (27.04%) had DM, and 1111 (21.91%) had both diseases. There was a significant reduction in the weekly number of consultations (107, IQR 60.0-153.0 before vs 20.0, IQR 7.0-29.0 after social restriction; P<.001). Only 15.23% (772/5070) of all patients returned for a consultation during the pandemic. Individuals with hypertension had lower systolic (120.0, IQR 120.0-140.0 mm Hg) and diastolic (80.0, IQR 80.0-80.0 mm Hg) blood pressure than those who did not return (130.0, IQR 120.0-140.0 mm Hg and 80.0, IQR 80.0-90.0 mm Hg, respectively; P<.001). Also, those who returned had a higher proportion of controlled hypertension (64.3% vs 52.8%). For DM, there were no differences in glycohemoglobin levels. Concerning the DSS, the experts agreed that the CHWs can easily incorporate it into their routines and the app can identify patients at risk and improve treatment.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in the number of consultations for patients with hypertension and DM in primary care. A DSS for CHW has proved to be feasible, useful, and easily incorporated into their routines.

The Benefits of Utilizing Continuous Glucose Monitoring of Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care: A Systematic Review.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and intermittently scanned CGM (is-CGM) have shown to effectively manage diabetes in the specialty setting, but their efficacy in the primary care setting remains unknown. Does CGM/is-CGM improve glycemic control, decrease rates of hypoglycemia, and improve staff/physician satisfaction in primary care? If so, what subgroups of patients with diabetes are most likely to benefit? A comprehensive search in seven databases was performed in June 2021 for primary studies examining any continuous glucose monitoring system in primary care. We excluded studies with fewer than 20 participants, specialty care only, or hospitalized participants. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation were used for the quality assessment. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of HbA1c between CGM/is-CGM and usual care with 95% confidence interval was calculated. A narrative synthesis was conducted for change of time in, above, or below range (TIR, TAR, and TBR) hypoglycemic events and staff/patient satisfaction. From ten studies and 4006 participants reviewed, CGM was more effective at reducing HbA1c compared with usual care (WMD -0.43%). There is low certainty of evidence that CGM/is-CGM improves TIR, TAR, or TBR over usual care. The CGM can reduce hypoglycemic events and staff/patient satisfaction is high. Patients with intensive insulin therapy may benefit more from CGM/is-CGM. Compared with usual care, CGM/is-CGM can reduce HbA1c, but most studies had notable biases, were short duration, unmasked, and were sponsored by industry. Further research needs to confirm the long-term benefits of CGM/is-CGM in primary care.

Glycemic control and associated factors in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in primary care in Southeastern Brazil

Diabetes is a self-managed condition with knowledge, attitudes and practices that can influence the overall treatment and outcomes delay the complications of diabetes. However, the few reported studies published point out that: low education level, poor adherence to pharmacotherapy and diet recommendations, infrequent monitoring of blood glucose, and insulin dosage regimen are associated with higher hemoglobin levels. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, adherence medication, and complexity of pharmacotherapy in T1DM patients in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 156 T1DM patients who were attending in primary care. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the variables associated with glycemic control. The overall assessments of T1DM patients for the glycemic control were bad (121, 77.6%). However, T1DM patients with high MedTake Test (OR=2.4, CI=1.1-5.7) and Morisky-Green Test (OR= 2.5, CI=1.1-6.1), and in the use of dosage insulin (>40 units, OR=0.3, CI=0.1-0.7) and postprandial glucose (100-125mg/dl, OR=3.8, CI=1.1-14.6) had better glycemic control compared to uncontrolled patients. Glycemic control in Brazilians adults with T1DM is low. We suggested the screening patients with low MedTake and Morisky-Green Tests, increasing patient knowledge as part of a complex intervention that may lead to substantially improved treatment outcomes in primary care.

Padrão de sexualidade ineficaz de idosos com Diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective to investigate the nursing diagnosis ineffective sexuality pattern in elderly people with Diabetes mellitus in primary care and analyze their sexuality profile. Method this is a cross-sectional study carried out in a Basic Health Unit with a sample of 134 elderly diabetics. Interviews were carried out between July and August 2019 with structured instruments and laboratory tests. An instrument was used to investigate the nursing diagnosis ineffective sexuality pattern with conceptual and operational definitions of the defining characteristics and related factors according to the NANDA-I taxonomy (2018-2020). Results women predominated, although men were more sexually active (p &lt; 0.001). Younger people were more sexually active (p = 0.001). Regarding hormonal parameters, elderly people with higher testosterone levels reported being sexually active (p &lt; 0.001). Most do not use condoms during sexual intercourse. When analyzing the nursing diagnosis of ineffective sexuality pattern, the most prevalent defining characteristic was “a change in sexual behavior” and the related factor was “skills deficit in sexuality-related alternatives”. Conclusions and implications for practice the nursing diagnosis ineffective sexuality pattern has importance in assessing elderly diabetics, as sexuality influences their behavior and personal satisfaction.

Clinical Inertia and 2-Year Glycaemic Trajectories in Patients with Non-Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo analyse diabetes treatment, treatment change and self-management behaviours in association with 2-year glycaemic trajectories in patients with non-newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese primary care.MethodsThis was an observational, multi-centre, longitudinal, retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of 4690 subjects were extracted from electronic medical records, including serial glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements, antidiabetic medication records and compliance to exercise, diet, medications and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Patterns of longitudinal HbA1c trajectories were identified using the percentage of HbA1c measurements <7.5% from the second available HbA1c measurement. Clinical relevance of the clusters was assessed through multivariable analysis.ResultsApproximately half of the participants demonstrated good glycaemic control; of these, 34.5% demonstrated stable, good control, and 13.7% demonstrated relatively good control. About 16.2% demonstrated moderate control, and 35.6% demonstrated poor control. From the good to poor control groups, the percentage of subjects treated with insulin at baseline and during the follow-up period increased gradually, while the percentage of subjects adhering to exercise, diet, medications and SMBG decreased gradually. Compared with baseline, the adherence to exercise, diet, medications and SMBG improved significantly. Approximately 50% and 26% of subjects in the two poorest control groups, respectively, experienced treatment changes. After multivariable adjustments, baseline HbA1c ≥7.5%, HbA1c change ≥−0.5% from baseline to visit 1, insulin treatment, treatment change, poor adherence to diet, exercise, SMBG during the follow-up period and HbA1c measurements <3 per year were significantly associated with poorer glycaemic control.ConclusionWe identified four longitudinal HbA1c trajectories in patients with non-newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Even if baseline HbA1c is suboptimal, aggressive treatment changes, good adherence during the follow-up period, ≥3 HbA1c measurements per year and reducing HbA1c levels to a certain extent by the first follow-up visit were important for good, stable, long-term glycaemic control.

Long-Term Effects of Financial Incentives for General Practitioners on Quality Indicators in the Treatment of Patients With Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care-A Follow-Up Analysis of a Cluster Randomized Parallel Controlled Trial.

Background: The effect of financial incentives on the quality of primary care is of high interest, and so is its sustainability after financial incentives are withdrawn.Objective: To assess both long-term effects and sustainability of financial incentives for general practitioners (GPs) in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus based on quality indicators (QIs) calculated from routine data from electronic medical records.Design/Participants: Randomized controlled trial using routine data from electronic medical records of patients with diabetes mellitus of Swiss GPs.Intervention: During the study period of 24 months, all GPs received bimonthly feedback reports with information on their actual treatment as reflected in QIs. In the intervention group, the reports were combined with financial incentives for quality improvement. The incentive was stopped after 12 months.Measurements: Proportion of patients meeting the process QI of annual HbA1c measurements and the clinical QI of blood pressure levels below 140/85 mmHg.Results: A total of 71 GPs from 43 different practices were included along with 3,854 of their patients with diabetes mellitus. Throughout the study, the proportion of patients with annual HbA1c measurements was stable in the intervention group (78.8–78.9%) and decreased slightly in the control group (81.5–80.2%) [odds ratio (OR): 1.21; 95% CI: 1.04–1.42, p < 0.05]. The proportion of patients achieving blood pressure levels below 140/85 mmHg decreased in the control group (51.2–47.2%) and increased in the intervention group (49.7–51.9%) (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04–1.35, p < 0.05) where it peaked at 54.9% after 18 months and decreased steadily over the last 6 months.Conclusion: After the withdrawal of financial incentives for the GPs after 12 months, some QIs still improved, indicating that 1 year might be too short to observe the full effect of such interventions. The decrease in QI achievement rates after 18 months suggests that the positive effects of time-limited financial incentives eventually wane.

Shared decision making and patient-centeredness for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care\u2014results of the cluster-randomised controlled DEBATE trial

BackgroundWe investigate whether an educational intervention of GPs increases patient-centeredness and perceived shared decision making in the treatment of patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus?MethodsWe performed a cluster-randomized controlled trial in German primary care. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus defined as HbA1c levels ≥ 8.0% (64 mmol/mol) at the time of recruitment (n = 833) from general practitioners (n = 108) were included. Outcome measures included subjective shared decision making (SDM-Q-9; scale from 0 to 45 (high)) and patient-centeredness (PACIC-D; scale from 1 to 5 (high)) as secondary outcomes. Data collection was performed before intervention (baseline, T0), at 6 months (T1), at 12 months (T2), at 18 months (T3), and at 24 months (T4) after baseline.ResultsSubjective shared decision making decreased in both groups during the course of the study (intervention group: -3.17 between T0 and T4 (95% CI: -4.66, -1.69; p < 0.0001) control group: -2.80 (95% CI: -4.30, -1.30; p = 0.0003)). There were no significant differences between the two groups (-0.37; 95% CI: -2.20, 1.45; p = 0.6847). The intervention's impact on patient-centeredness was minor. Values increased in both groups, but the increase was not statistically significant, nor was the difference between the groups.ConclusionsThe intervention did not increase patient perceived subjective shared decision making and patient-centeredness in the intervention group as compared to the control group. Effects in both groups might be partially attributed to the Hawthorne-effect. Future trials should focus on patient-based intervention elements to investigate effects on shared decision making and patient-centeredness.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on March 10th, 2011 at ISRCTN registry under the reference ISRCTN70713571.