• D R Williams, C Munroe, C J Hospedales, and R H Greenwood.
• University Department of Community Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
• Diabet. Med. 1990 Jan 1; 7 (1): 74-9.

AbstractThe care of patients with diabetes was assessed in eight general practices intending to establish mini-clinics. Seven of these practices subsequently participated in a mini-clinic scheme incorporating continuing education and audit. After 3 years further data were collected and compared with the baseline assessment. Seven other local practices which had not set up mini-clinics were also studied. During the time between the baseline survey and the 3-year assessment the proportion of non-insulin-treated patients registered with the mini-clinic practices and receiving regular review in general practice increased from 54 to 84%. The proportions of patients with a record of body weight, blood pressure, urinary glucose, urinary protein, blood glucose, HbA1, visual acuity, examination of the fundus through dilated pupils, examination of the feet, and a consultation with a dietitian within the previous year increased significantly and were higher in mini-clinic than in comparison practices although, for a substantial number of patients in both groups of practices, these remained unrecorded. This study shows that organized and audited general practice mini-clinics can improve the process of care for diabetic patients.

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