The Joint Commission journal on quality improvement
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Jt Comm J Qual Improv · Apr 2001
Clinical TrialA Web-based diabetes care management support system.
Because of the often asymptomatic nature of diabetes and the long period between sustained hyperglycemia and observable complications, appropriate diabetes care relies on a long-term program of secondary prevention. Yet routine monitoring and screening among patients with diabetes is less than optimal. To support the provision of routine care to patients with diabetes, the Center for Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System (Detroit), developed a Web-based Diabetes Care Management Support System (DCMSS). A nonrandomized, longitudinal study was conducted (January 1, 1998-October 31, 1999) with 13,325 health maintenance organization patients with diabetes who were aligned to 190 primary care providers practicing in 31 primary care clinics. ⋯ Computerized systems of clinical practice guidelines, patient registries, and performance feedback may help improve the rate of routine testing among patients with diabetes.