Multidisciplinary Diabetic Clinic Research Articles

PSUN316 Racial Disparities in Diabetes Control and Use of Technology in a High Risk Cohort of Youth with Diabetes

Abstract Background Racial and ethnic minority children experience significant disparities in achieving the American Diabetes Association-recommended hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels when compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump (IP) use are associated with improved glycemic control. Racial and ethnic disparities exist in the use of these technologies in youth with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), which may contribute to the observed poor glycemic outcomes in this population. However, racial and ethnic differences in CGM and IP use have not been examined in children and adolescents with diabetes. Objective We describe the differences in glycemic control, CGM and IP use in an ethnically diverse cohort of children and adolescents seen in a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic designed to provide support (i.e., diabetes education, psychology, social work, nutrition) to youth with poorly controlled diabetes. Methods Demographic data, HbA1c levels, CGM and IP use were collected from a cohort of high-risk youth with T1D and T2D attending a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic from January to December of 2021. Results A total of 125 children and adolescents (age: 4-20 years) diagnosed with diabetes were included. Twenty (16%) were African Americans (AA), 81 (65%) Hispanic (H), 23 (15%) non-Hispanic White (NHW), and 1 (0.8%) Asian (A). The mean HbA1c in the cohort was 9.07%. HbA1c in AA patients was 12.9% (SD + 3.11), in Hispanics 8.64% (SD + 2.28), and 9.00% (SD + 1.84) in NHW. Seventy percent of AA patients had an A1c> 9%, compared to 36% of Hispanics and 48% of NHW. Use of CGM and IP was 40% and 10% in AA, 79% and 36% in Hispanics, and 82% and 57% in NHW, respectively. Conclusions Our study describes recent data on glycemic control and use of diabetes technology among a racially diverse cohort of children and adolescents seen in a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic. Consistent with literature on adults, HbA1c was highest and CGM and IP use were lowest in AA as compared to H and NHW youth. Data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have disproportionately impacted AA patients’ economic, social, and personal behaviors that may contribute to diabetes care. These data support the need for multidisciplinary interventions using systems-based and culturally tailored approaches to improve access and use of technology for diabetes management. The current multidisciplinary diabetes clinic is designed to identify high-risk factors and reduce barriers to optimal management of diabetes. Future research will focus on the impact of multidisciplinary intervention on diabetes control through the use of technology, especially for African Americans. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes can achieve glycemic targets on intensive insulin therapy without excessive weight gain.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare glycemic control and body mass index standard deviation score (BMI‐SDS) before and after implementation of intensive insulin therapy using multiple daily injection (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) attending a large multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes clinic in Australia.MethodsProspective data were collected for cross‐sectional comparison of youth aged 10.0–17.9 years (n = 669) from routine follow‐up visits to the diabetes clinic in 2004, 2010, and 2016. Outcome measures included HbA1c; BMI‐SDS; and insulin regimen.ResultsBMI‐SDS remained stable between 2004 to 2016 in the 10–13 and 14–17 year age group (0.7 vs. 0.5, p = .12 and 0.7 vs. 0.7, p = .93, respectively). BMI‐SDS was not different across HbA1c groups; <53 mmol/mol (7.0%), 53 to <75 mmol/mol (<7.0 to <9.0%) and >75 mmol/mol (>9.0%) in 2004 (p = .873), 2010 (p = .10) or 2016 (p = .630). Mean HbA1c decreased from 2004 to 2016 in the 10–13 year (69 mmol/mol (8.4%) vs. 57 mmol/mol (7.4%), p = <.001) and 14–17 year group (72 mmol/mol (8.7%) vs. 63 mmol/mol (7.9%), p = <.001). Prior to the implementation of MDI and CSII in 2004 only 10% of 10–13 year olds and 8% of 14–17 year olds achieved the international target for glycemic control (HbA1c 53 mmol/mol [<7.0%]). In 2016, this increased to 31% of 10–13 year olds and 21% of 14–17 year olds.ConclusionsBMI‐SDS did not increase with the change to intensive insulin therapy despite a doubling in the number of adolescents achieving the recommended glycemic target of <7.0% (53 mmol/mol). HbA1c was not associated with weight gain.

Short-Term Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices in the Multidisciplinary Active Diabetes Clinic

The MemorialCare Medical Foundation ACTIVE Diabetes program aims to engage poorly controlled diabetic patients in the management of their chronic disease in order to reduce their risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications. This is done through a combination of medication management and lifestyle coaching. Newer technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have become commonly used in order to support patient engagement in diabetes management. In our practice, short term use of CGM devices have been shown to increase patients’ awareness of blood sugar trends which leads to improvements in lifestyle changes and medication adherence. Our team first observed this benefit in a case study where significant lifestyle changes were made while a patient was on a CGM for a short period of time. Short term use of CGM devices, if used appropriately, can lead to an improvement in A1C without an increase in medications.

Incorporation of a genetics-based information module into standardized diabetes patient education

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a genetics educational module created to improve understanding about the genetics of diabetes, assess motivation to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors, and gauge interest in genetic testing for diabetes. MethodsParticipants were recruited from the Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Diabetes Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Participants completed a pre-survey to assess three domains: (1) knowledge about diabetes etiology and testing, (2) healthy lifestyle behaviors, and (3) interest in genetic testing. Participants viewed a short, recorded educational module, then completed a post-survey to re-assess the domains. ResultsParticipants increased knowledge about genetics of diabetes (p < 0.0001) and genetic testing (p = 0.0184), demonstrated motivation to adopt healthy behaviors (p < 0.0001), and decreased interest in genetic testing (p = 0.0833) after viewing the module. ConclusionsThe educational module increased understanding of diabetes and increased motivation to adopt healthy behaviors. The need for patient-friendly educational modules explaining the genetics of diabetes will likely increase with continued discoveries of how genetics contributes to diabetes risk and outcomes. This short, educational module has the potential to provide genetic information in an effective way that is easily adapted in a routine clinic setting.

A Multidisciplinary Diabetes Clinic Improves Clinical and Behavioral Outcomes in a Primary Care Setting.

The percentage of adults achieving hemoglobin A1c goals less than 7% remains a challenge. The study objective was to evaluate effects of a multidisciplinary approach on behavioral outcomes and mean change in A1c in immediate start (intervention) versus 6-month delay (control) groups at 6 months. The study assessed 111 patients recruited from a safety-net primary care clinic with a pharmacist-led multidisciplinary team and found that the intervention improved mean A1c outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes. A1c values were measured every 3 months, and a self-efficacy scale to measure behaviors was evaluated at baseline and 6 months. After 6 months from baseline, the intervention group showed an A1c decrease of 2.4 compared with the control group's 1.1 decrease. Mean increase in self-efficacy score in the intervention group at baseline versus after 6 months showed a statistically significant change (P = .01) compared with the control group (P = .26). Results revealed a post hoc association between A1c and PHQ-9 such that patients with higher baseline PHQ-9 scores experienced greater mean decrease in A1c. In the immediate start arm, mean A1c values decreased from 10.6 at baseline to 7.7 at month 12. For the delayed intervention group, mean A1c values decreased from 10.2 at baseline to 9.0 after 6 months.

Standard Clinical Screening Tests, Sural Radial Amplitude Ratio and F Wave Latency Compared to Conventional Nerve Conduction Studies in the Assessment of Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background and Aims:The measuring tools used for assessment of neuropathy include various questionnaires, monofilament testing, Biothesiometry and the gold standard test, nerve conduction studies (NCS). This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracies of Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Biothesiometry, Semmes Weinstein Monofilament (SWMF), Sural Radial Amplitude Ratio (SRAR) and minimal F wave latency as compared to conventional NCS and arrive at a simple diagnostic algorithm for early detection of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN).Methods:In a cross-sectional observational study on 48 Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, MNSI, Biothesiometry, SWMF and NCS including F waves and SRAR were done and diagnostic accuracies (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values) calculated taking NCS as gold standard.Results:MNSI, Biothesiometry, SWMF, SRAR and minimal F wave latency had a sensitivity of 64.3%, 78.6%, 14.3%, 100% and 78.6% and specificity of 67.7%, 52.9%, 94.1%, 23.53% and 76.47% respectively, with reference to NCS. Based on combined sensitivities and specificities, we arrived at a simple algorithm for early diagnosis of DPN, which showed that DPN could either be diagnosed or ruled out in 75% of the patients by a combination of the Biothesiometry, SRAR and left lower limb minimal F wave latency results.Conclusions:In the setting of an outpatient, multidisciplinary diabetic clinic, simple tests such as questionnaires, monofilament testing and biosthesiometer could be performed with greater ease while considering NCS as the gold standard. This algorithm, combining Biothesiometry, SRAR and left lower limb minimal F wave latency would be less time consuming and help in early diagnosis of DPN.

A Nurse Practitioner-Led Multidisciplinary Diabetes Clinic for Adult Patients Discharged From Hospital

ObjectivesIn this study, we evaluated the feasibility of a nurse practitioner-led outpatient clinic (NPC) to facilitate the safe transition of patients with diabetes receiving insulin therapy between hospital and the community. MethodsAn NPC was set up to manage patients who had diabetes education in hospital and who were discharged on insulin. In addition to patient demographics and admission diagnosis, days seen postdischarge, duration of follow up, diabetes interventions and discharge care plan were recorded. For quality improvement, patients were asked to complete a questionnaire at the time of discharge from the NPC. ResultsWithin a 12-month period, 71 patients with diabetes attended the NPC 3 to 21 days after discharge and they were followed for 1 to 98 days. Thirteen patients required management of hypoglycemia and 56 patients had adjustment of medications to basal/prandial insulin or switched to oral antihyperglycemic agents. Fifty-four patients were returned to the care of their family physicians and 18 patients required a referral to a diabetes specialist. A postclinic questionnaire indicated that the clinic enabled patients to improve management of their diabetes. However, communication of the diabetes management plan to the family physician was an identified concern. ConclusionsAn NPC clinic can provide timely management and is a viable option to ensure safe transition of patients with diabetes from hospital back to their family physicians.

Discrepancies in Assessing Symptoms of Depression in Adolescents With Diabetes Using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Semi-Structured Interviews.

Adolescents with diabetes have a higher prevalence of depression compared with their peers. The American Diabetes Association recommends routine mental health screening for youth with diabetes. This screening is often conducted through accessible and free depression screeners, such as the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Although the PHQ-9 has been validated for use in adolescents and with other medical conditions, it has yet to be validated for use in pediatric diabetes. This study evaluated adolescents' depression symptom endorsement through retrospective review of PHQ-9 screening and semi-structured interviews with a mental health provider in a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic (patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes). Adolescent participants (n = 96) screened during one to three separate visits (n = 148) endorsed some depressive symptoms in 56% of visits (n = 84) and moderate to severe symptoms in 6% of visits on the PHQ-9. Approximately 95% of study participants did not meet the clinic cutoff for further evaluation, but greater rates of depression were endorsed in youth with type 1 diabetes. Low mood was endorsed at a higher rate during a semi-structured interview with embedded mental health providers than on the PHQ-9. Symptoms specific to low mood, including anhedonia, sleep disturbance, concentration disturbance, motor disturbance, and thoughts of death/self-harm, were more frequently endorsed on the PHQ-9 than during the interview. Although the PHQ-9 is a good screening tool, the availability of mental health providers in diabetes clinics is important to address specific endorsed symptoms and place them in perspective based on specialized training. Until more definitive research is available on the sensitivity and specificity of this measure in this population and setting, a two-part screening approach that includes both the screening questionnaire and a brief semi-structured interview is warranted.

SUN-LB116 Improved Family Medicine Resident Diabetes Care Through Participation in a Diabetes Clinic

As the population ages and the prevalence of diabetes increases, the demand for endocrinology services, especially in underserved areas, will continue to exceed availability. Primary care residency training programs must prepare residents to care for high risk patients with diabetes who cannot access specialists. We hypothesized that resident participation in an inter-professional diabetes clinic run by primary care physicians would lead to improved diabetes care in resident patient panels.A diabetes clinic was created in an existing primary care practice at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Eastern Kentucky. All non-pregnant, adult, Type II diabetes patients with a HgbA1C of 8.0% or greater were invited to participate in the clinic. Initial visits included evaluations by a dentist, mental health counselor, social worker, nutritionist, primary care provider, and pharmacist. Four first-year and four second-year family medicine residents rotated through the diabetes clinic and followed the patients as they saw each member of the health care team. On follow-up visits, a resident served as the primary care provider for each patient and participated in post-clinic meetings of the entire healthcare team. Resident patient charts were reviewed 3 months prior to the year-long intervention and data collected was compared to resident patient charts 3 months following the intervention.Ninety patients served as the pre-intervention sample and 108 were in the post-intervention sample. Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant increase in patients with A1C less than 8.0% pre (57.7%) to post (71.3%) p=0.0468. Overall, there were significant increases in all health-associated behaviors. Patients receiving eye exams increased from pre (29%) to post (66%) intervention significantly; z=-5.2, P<.001. Patients receiving a urine microalbumin test increased from pre (61%) to post (82%) intervention; z=-3.2, P<.001. Patients receiving dietary counseling increased from pre (54%) to post (79%) intervention; z=-3.6, P<.001. Patients receiving foot exams increased from pre (34%) to post (48%) intervention, z=-1.9; p=.03.Resident involvement in a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic led by primary care physicians resulted in a statistically significant increase in HgbA1Cs < 8 among patients in their regular clinic and resulted in a statistically significant increase in their diabetic patients receiving eye exams, dietary counseling, foot exams, and urine microalbumin tests. This study suggests that teaching family medicine residents important diabetes care skills with an inter-professional team approach through the use of a diabetes clinic may be superior to standard educational practices.

Special Considerations in the Systematic Psychosocial Screening of Youth with Type 1 Diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association recommends psychosocial screening for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The purpose of this study is to present (a) several high priority decisions that program developers may encounter when building a new psychosocial screening program and (b) both the screening development process and results of one mental health screening program within a multidisciplinary pediatric diabetes clinic, with particular emphasis on parent-youth screening agreement and changes to elevation status over time. Youth with T1D ages 12-17 and parents of youth with T1D ages 8-17 were administered mental health screeners as a part of outpatient diabetes visits over a 1-year period. Youth depression and anxiety were screened using self- and parent proxy-report versions of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Youth (n = 154) and parents (n = 211) completed mental health screening measures, such that 228 youth were screened. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between youth- and parent proxy-report agreement were good for the measures of depression (ICC = .787) and anxiety (ICC = .781), with parent proxy-reports significantly higher than youth self-reports of anxiety (p < .01). Of the 93 youth with follow-up screening data and no youth- or parent proxy-reported elevation on the initial screener, 16.1% had at least one elevated screener within 1 year. Findings indicate that questions of who to screen and how often to screen may deserve increased scrutiny, as this screening program's data suggest that there may be benefit to obtaining both youth- and parent report more often than annually.

Pediatric diabetes patients infrequently access outpatient psychology services following screening and referral: Implications for practice

ABSTRACTYouth with diabetes are at risk for suboptimal psychological functioning. This study evaluated the prevalence of concerns and proportion of outpatient referrals provided and completed at follow-up. Participants included 100 adolescents and young adults seen at a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic. Referrals were made to 61.2% of participants for internalizing (51.6%), externalizing (8%), diabetes-related (50%), comprehensive evaluation (17%), interpersonal (10%), and other needs (3%). At follow-up, 23.7% of those referred were enrolled in outpatient services. Pediatric psychologists offer effective mental health screening and referral. Barriers to follow-up outpatient care included transportation, organization, and stigma. Implications for improving access are discussed.

Establishing the multidisciplinary Imperial Physical Activity and Diabetes clinic

AbstractIncreasing numbers of people with diabetes are adopting exercise programmes. Fear of hypoglycaemia, and hypoglycaemia itself, are major issues for many people with diabetes undertaking physical activity. The risk of hypoglycaemia is exacerbated by endurance exercise. In addition, soft tissue injuries are more common in people with diabetes.We have established a multidisciplinary physical activity and diabetes clinic with the aim of empowering, educating and enabling people with diabetes to enjoy sport and exercise without fear of hypoglycaemia or frustration at glycaemic variability or soft tissue injuries. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) includes a diabetologist, sports and exercise physician, radiologist, dietitian, diabetes specialist nurse, and psychologist.Between October 2015 and September 2017, we undertook 19 clinics and saw 66 patients (48 new and 18 follow‐up). Of the 48 new referrals (median age 35; range 20–72) 47 had type 1 diabetes and 27 (56%) used an insulin pump. Attendees had a median 18 years of diabetes (range 1–50). Diabetes distress was variable (median PAID score 18; range 0–64). Twenty‐five patients attended for glycaemic management, 15 for musculoskeletal issues and eight for both. Sixteen (33%) required physiotherapy and nine (19%) were referred for joint imaging.It is possible to establish a new service to support physical activity in diabetes. To meet demand and enhance the MDT, physiotherapy will be added. A means of assessing the effects of diabetes on physical activity and outcome measures that matter to people with diabetes must be developed. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley &amp; Sons.

Managing diabetes at high altitude: personal experience with support from a Multidisciplinary Physical Activity and Diabetes Clinic

ObjectivePhysical activity is important for well-being but can be challenging for people with diabetes. Data informing support of specialist activities such as climbing and high-altitude trekking are limited. A 42-year-old...

Into the abyss: diabetes process of care indicators and outcomes of defaulters from a Canadian tertiary care multidisciplinary diabetes clinic

BackgroundContinuity of care is essential for good quality diabetes management. We recently found that 46% of patients defaulted from care (had no contact with the clinic for 18 months after a follow-up appointment was ordered) in a Canadian multidisciplinary tertiary care diabetes clinic. The primary aim was to compare characteristics, diabetes processes of care, and outcomes from referral to within 1 year after leaving clinic or to the end of the follow-up period among those patients who defaulted, were discharged or were retained in the clinic.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 193 patients referred to the Foustanellas Endocrine and Diabetes Center (FEDC) for type 2 diabetes from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005. The FEDC is the primary academic referral centre for the Ottawa Region and provides multidisciplinary diabetes management. Defaulters (mean age 58.5 ± 12.5 year, 60% M) were compared to patients who were retained in the clinic (mean age 61.4 ± 10.47 years, 49% M) and those who were formally discharged (mean age 61.5 ± 13.2 years, 53.3% M). The chart audit population was then individually linked on an individual patient basis for laboratory testing, physician visits billed through OHIP, hospitalizations and emergency room visits using Ontario health card numbers to health administrative data from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at the Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences (ICES).ResultsRetained and defaulted patients had significantly longer duration of diabetes, more microvascular complications, were more likely to be on insulin and less likely to have a HbA1c < 7.0% than patients discharged from clinic. A significantly lower proportion of patients who defaulted from tertiary care received recommended monitoring for their diabetes (HbA1c measurements, lipid measurements, and periodic eye examinations), despite no difference in median number of visits to a primary care provider (PCP). Emergency room visits were numerically higher in the defaulters group.ConclusionsPatients defaulting from a tertiary care diabetes hospital do not receive the recommended monitoring for their diabetes management despite attending PCP appointments. Efforts should be made to minimize defaulting in this group of individuals.

Effect of a Multidisciplinary-Assisted Resident Diabetes Clinic on Resident Knowledge and Patient Outcomes

Despite the rising prevalence of diabetes, there is a paucity of diabetes curricula in residency training. The multidisciplinary diabetes team approach is underused in residency education. To assess the feasibility of an innovative multidisciplinary resident diabetes clinic (MRDC) in enhancing (1) resident diabetes knowledge via a Diabetes Awareness Questionnaire, and (2) subsequent process and patient outcomes in patients with diabetes via a Diabetes Practice Behavior Checklist. From October 2008 to February 2010, 14 internal medicine residents managed patients with uncontrolled diabetes in a weekly half-day MRDC for 1month (total 4-5 half-day sessions/resident), with a collaborative team of internists, diabetes educators, an endocrinologist, and a pharmacist. The curriculum included didactic sessions, required readings, and patient-specific case discussions. A 20-question Diabetes Awareness Questionnaire was administered to each resident prerotation and postrotation. Records of 47 patients with diabetes in the residents' own continuity clinics (not the MRDC) were audited 6months before and after the MRDC for Diabetes Practice Behavior Checklist measures (glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, retinal referral, foot exam, microalbumin screen). Pre-MRDC and post-MRDC data were compared via paired t test. The MRDC residents exhibited a modest increase in mean (SD) scores on the Diabetes Awareness Questionnaire (before, 8.2 [2.8]; after, 10.9 [2.8]; P = .02) and a modest mean (SD) performance increase in overall process outcomes from the Diabetes Practice Behavior Checklist (before, 74% [18%]; after, 84% [18%]; P = .004). No improvements occurred in patient outcomes. Multidisciplinary diabetes teaching may be useful in fostering certain resident knowledge and performance measures but may not alter clinical outcomes. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are needed to understand the effect of our curriculum on residents' diabetes knowledge and future practice behavior.

Improving diabetic retinopathy screening in Africa: Patient satisfaction with teleophthalmology versus ophthalmologist-based screening

Purpose:To assess patient preference for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening with teleophthalmology or face-to-face ophthalmologist evaluation in Nairobi, Kenya.Materials and Methods:Fifty seven diabetic patients from a one-stop multidisciplinary diabetic clinic (consisting of a diabetologist, nurse educator, foot specialist, nutritionist, ophthalmologist, and neurologist) in Nairobi, Kenya were included if they had undergone both a teleophthalmology (stereoscopic digital retinal photographs graded by an ophthalmologist remotely) and a traditional clinical screening exam (face to face examination). A structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale was developed in both English and Swahili. The questionnaire was administered over the telephone. Ten questions were used to compare patient experience and preferences between teleophthalmology and a traditional clinical examination for DR. A mean score >3.25 on the Likert scale was considered favourable.Results:Successfully telephone contact was possible for 26 (58% male, 42% females) of the 57 patients. The mean ages of the male and female patients were 52.4 and 46.5 years respectively. Patients were satisfied with their teleophthalmology examination (mean 4.15 ± 0.97). Patients preferred the teleophthalmology option for future screenings (mean 3.42 ± 1.52). This preference was driven primarily by convenience, reduced examination time, and being able to visualize their own retina.Conclusion:In this study, diabetic patients preferred a teleophthalmology based screening over a traditional ophthalmologist-based screening. The use of teleophthalmology in Africa warrants further study and has the potential to become the screening model of choice. Cost effectiveness in comparison to an ophthalmologist-based screening also requires evaluation.

Predicting Poor Glucose Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Management of type 1 diabetes during adolescence is challenging. Investigators at a tertiary care, multidisciplinary diabetes clinic identified patterns of control and predictors of deterioration in control in 150 adolescents (age range, 13–18 years) with type 1 diabetes and at least one parent. Half of the adolescents were female, 86% were white, most had two parents, and mean duration of diabetes was 6 years. Outcome measures (HbA1c and frequency of blood glucose monitoring) were assessed four …

The Tools For Transition™ Program: Characteristics and Disposition of Patients referred to a Multidisciplinary Diabetes Clinic

The Tools For Transition™ Program: Characteristics and Disposition of Patients referred to a Multidisciplinary Diabetes Clinic

Transition of Patients with Diabetes From Specialist To Primary Care: A Survey Of Specialists on Tools, Determinants & Barriers for Transition

The Tools For TransitionTM Program: Characteristics and Disposition of Patients referred to a Multidisciplinary Diabetes Clinic *CHETNA TAILOR, JANINE C MALCOLM, JULIE MARANGER, ERIN KEELY, SHARON BREZ, SHERYL IZZI, MONICA TALJAARD, TEIK CHYE OOI Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Ottawa. The Tools for TransitionTM Program at the University of Ottawa was developed to improve the transition of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from specialists back to their primary care physicians (PCP). To understand the current situation, a chart review of 120 T2D patients referred to the Foustanellas Endocrine and Diabetes Center from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005 by PCP was completed to Nov 2007 to Feb 2008 to document demographic data, medical status, medication use, process and outcome of care indicators. Results: mean age 59.5 years, mean duration of diabetes 8.84 years, 60% male, HTN 74%, dyslipidemia 75%, CVD 20%, nephropathy 28%, neuropathy 26%, retinopathy 17%, and psychiatric illness 19%, 27% were on insulin at the time of referral, and 18% were later placed on insulin by the clinic. 23/120 (19%) were discharged back to their primary care physician after attending the clinic for a mean duration of 12 months, 38/120 (32%) continue to be followed in the clinic and 55/120 (46%) were lost to follow-up (patient did not attend clinic despite scheduled visit), 2/120 (1.5%) died and 2/120 (1.5%) were transferred to another clinic. As expected, a high proportion of patients referred to a speciality diabetes clinic have complications of diabetes, co-morbid conditions, and are treated with insulin Only 1 in 5 patients were discharged within the audit period of about 3 years. An unexpectedly high proportion of patients were lost to follow-up. This has inadvertently helped to relieve the build-up of follow-up patients in the centre caused by a low discharge rate. Further study into the low discharge rate and possible reasons for the loss to follow-up is warranted. ABSTRACT #197

Use of a Blood Glucose Monitoring Manual to Enhance Monitoring Adherence in Adults With Diabetes

Frequent blood glucose (BG) monitoring is a critical component of diabetes management, yet many barriers exist to consistent monitoring. In this randomized controlled trial, we sought to determine if an educational manual, the Blood Sugar Monitoring Owner's Manual (BGMOM), could increase adherence to BG monitoring by helping patients form realistic expectations and responses to BG monitoring results. The 199 participants were recruited from a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic and had high-risk diabetes (hemoglobin A(1C) >or=8.0%); 35% had type 1 diabetes mellitus. Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: BGMOM intervention (BGM+), attention control (BG meter only [MT]), or standard care (SC). The BGM+ and MT groups received BG meters and meter education; the BGM+ group also received BGMOM booklets. The SC group received usual care. Data gathered during 6 months of follow-up included BG monitoring frequency and hemoglobin A(1C) measurement. Monitoring frequency increased significantly in the BGM+ group (1.9 +/- 1.3 to 2.8 +/- 1.5 times daily, P<.001) but only slightly in the MT group (1.7 +/- 1.3 to 2.0 +/- 1.3 times daily). The BGM+ group experienced the greatest improvement in hemoglobin A(1C) level (BGM+: -0.13 +/- 1.28; MT: -0.04 +/- 1.31; SC: 0.04 +/- 1.10). Further, a higher percentage of those in the BGM+ group (61%) improved their glycemic control compared with the other groups (44%; P = .05). Finally, the BGM+ group displayed the most knowledge about the definition of hemoglobin A(1C) (P = .04) and reported the least amount of negative affect about out-of-range BG monitoring results (P = .03). As an adjunct to standard diabetes education and support, a manual such as the BGMOM can help optimize BG monitoring and glycemic control.