The Delivery of Diabetic Care and Preventive Services among Diabetic Patients in Family Practice

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The delivery of proper diabetes care and preventive services is essential for diabetic patients in family practice. However, there are few studies on preventive service practice. This study aimed to survey the delivery of preventive services among diabetic patients in an outpatient department of family medicine in a general hospital. METHODS: We reviewed all of the electronic medical records and charts of patients with a recent diagnosis code of type II diabetes mellitus in an outpatient department of family medicine at Asan Medical Center from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2002, encompassing documentation of laboratory tests, treatment, and cancer screening. RESULTS: This study included 124 patients with diabetes. Blood pressure measurement, fundus examination, and nutritional counseling were performed in 96.7%, 80.6%, and 50% of subjects, respectively. Lipid profiles and urine microalbumin were checked in 91.1% and 58.2%, respectively. Anti-platelet and anti-smoking agents were prescribed in 17.7% and 13.2%, respectively. In males, the rate of cancer screening for stomach and colon were 55.9 and 53.2%, respectively. In females, the rate of cancer screening for stomach, colon, breast, and cervix were 45.5, 51.6, 43.2, and 38.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diabetic care related services were delivered more often than those of preventive services, such as cancer screening and prescription of anti-smoking or anti-platelet agents. Efforts to improve the delivery of preventive services are needed among diabetic patients in family practice.