Inpatient to outpatient transfer of diabetes care: perceptions of barriers to postdischarge followup in urban African American patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine potential obstacles to postdischarge followup of hospitalized diabetes patients and to inform planning to better ensure continuity of service when care is transferred from inpatient to outpatient settings. DESIGN: Surveys of hospital inpatients. SETTING: Urban hospital PATIENTS: Inpatients with diabetes mellitus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Identification of barriers to postdischarge followup in relation to age, sex, race, marital status, employment status, educational level, health insurance status, date of admission, date of diagnosis, admission and discharge glucose values, and hyperglycemia medications at discharge. RESULTS: Of 303 respondents (average age 50 years, 46% women, 91% African American), 95% indicated that they planned to use follow-up services. Fifty percent of these patients anticipated encountering barriers to keeping outpatient appointments. The primary reasons were transportation problems (59%), inability to afford the visit (34%), and lack of health insurance (24%). Among persons expecting difficulty with follow-up care, significantly more were uninsured (P=.025), and a greater proportion had prior trouble accessing medical care (P<.0001). The odds of anticipating a barrier to postdischarge followup were higher for persons without health insurance (odds ratio [OR] 2.62, P=.040) and for persons with prior healthcare access problems (OR 5.94, P<.0001). Women also had a greater chance of reporting an obstacle (OR 2.30, P=.024). CONCLUSION: New discharge planning programs that emphasize the need for long-term followup and that assist persons with access to postdischarge medical services should be developed, particularly for minority populations at particular risk for diabetes and its complications.

Limited health care access impairs glycemic control in low income urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

Limited access to health care is associated with adverse outcomes, but few studies have examined its effect on glycemic control in minority populations. Our observational cross-sectional study examined whether differences in health care access affected hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in 605 patients with diabetes (56% women; 89% African American; average age, 50 years; 95% with type 2 diabetes) initially treated at a municipal diabetes clinic. Patients who had difficulty obtaining care had higher A1c levels (9.4% vs. 8.7%; p=0.001), as did patients who used acute care facilities (9.5%; p<0.001) or who had no usual source of care (10.3%; p<0.001) compared with those who sought care at doctors' offices or clinics (8.6%). In adjusted analyses, HbA1c was higher in persons who gave a history of trouble obtaining medical care (0.57%; p=0.04), among persons who primarily used an acute care facility to receive their health care (0.49%; p=0.047), and in patients who reported not having a usual source of care (1.08%; p=0.009). Policy decisions for improving diabetes outcomes should target barriers to health care access and focus on developing programs to help high-risk populations maintain a regular place of health care.

An endocrinologist-supported intervention aimed at providers improves diabetes management in a primary care site: improving primary care of African Americans with diabetes (IPCAAD) 7.

OBJECTIVE: Management of diabetes is frequently suboptimal in primary care settings, where providers often fail to intensify therapy when glucose levels are high, a problem known as clinical inertia. We asked whether interventions targeting clinical inertia can improve outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A controlled trial over a 3-year period was conducted in a municipal hospital primary care clinic in a large academic medical center. We studied all patients (4,138) with type 2 diabetes who were seen in continuity clinics by 345 internal medicine residents and were randomized to be control subjects or to receive one of three interventions. Instead of consultative advice, the interventions were hard copy computerized reminders that provided patient-specific recommendations for management at the time of each patient's visit, individual face-to-face feedback on performance for 5 min every 2 weeks, or both. RESULTS: Over an average patient follow-up of 15 months within the intervention site, improvements in and final HbA1c (A1C) with feedback + reminders (deltaA1C 0.6%, final A1C 7.46%) were significantly better than control (deltaA1C 0.2%, final A1C 7.84%, P < 0.02); changes were smaller with feedback only and reminders only (P = NS vs. control). Trends were similar but not significant with systolic blood pressure (sBP) and LDL cholesterol. Multivariable analysis showed that the feedback intervention independently facilitated attainment of American Diabetes Association goals for both A1C and sBP. Over a 2-year period, overall glycemic control improved in the intervention site but did not change in other primary care sites (final A1C 7.5 vs. 8.2%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Feedback on performance aimed at overcoming clinical inertia and given to internal medicine resident primary care providers improves glycemic control. Partnering generalists with diabetes specialists may be important to enhance diabetes management in other primary care settings.

Clinical inertia contributes to poor diabetes control in a primary care setting.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether "clinical inertia"-inadequate intensification of therapy by the provider-could contribute to high A1C levels in patients with type 2 diabetes managed in a primary care site. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, management was compared in the Medical Clinic, a primary care site supervised by general internal medicine faculty, and the Diabetes Clinic, a specialty site supervised by endocrinologists. These municipal hospital clinics serve a common population that is largely African American, poor, and uninsured. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-eight African American patients in the Medical Clinic and 2157 in the Diabetes Clinic were similar in average age, diabetes duration, body mass index, and gender, but A1C averaged 8.6% in the Medical Clinic versus 7.7% in the Diabetes Clinic (P < .0001). Use of pharmacotherapy was less intensive in the Medical Clinic (less use of insulin), and when patients had elevated glucose levels during clinic visits, therapy was less than half as likely to be advanced in the Medical Clinic compared to the Diabetes Clinic (P < .0001). Intensification rates were lower in the Medical Clinic regardless of type of therapy (P < .0001), and intensification of therapy was independently associated with improvement in A1C (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Medical Clinic patients had worse glycemic control, were less likely to be treated with insulin, and were less likely to have their therapy intensified if glucose levels were elevated. To improve diabetes management and glycemic control nationwide, physicians in training and generalists must learn to overcome clinical inertia, to intensify therapy when appropriate, and to use insulin when clinically indicated.

Barriers to diabetes education in urban patients: perceptions, patterns, and associated factors.

PURPOSE: This study explored patients' perceptions of barriers to diabetes education among a mostly African American population of adults with diabetes. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 605 new patients attending an urban outpatient diabetes clinic. The questionnaire gathered information on issues patients believed would adversely affect their ability to learn about diabetes. The type and frequency of education barriers were evaluated, and variables associated with reporting an obstacle were analyzed. RESULTS: Average patient age was 50 years, diabetes duration was 5.6 years, body mass index was 32 kg/m2, and hemoglobin A1C was 9.1%. The majority (56%) were women, 89% were African American, and 95% had type 2 diabetes. Most respondents (96%) had received some prior instruction in diabetes care; however, 53% anticipated future difficulties learning about diabetes. The most commonly cited concerns were poor vision (74%) and reading problems (29%). Patients with a perceived barrier to diabetes education were older (P < .001) than were persons without a barrier, and they differed in both employment and educational status (both P < .001). In adjusted analyses, older age, male gender, being disabled, and having an elementary education or less were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of having a barrier to diabetes education, whereas having a college education decreased the odds. Higher hemoglobin A1C levels also tended to be associated with a greater chance of reporting an education barrier (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of persons anticipated a barrier to diabetes education. Interventions at multiple levels that address the demographic and socioeconomic obstacles to diabetes education are needed to ensure successful self-management training.

Evolving demographics and disparities in an urban diabetes clinic: implications for diabetes education and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To compare demographics and disease characteristics in a multiethnic diabetes clinic population to identify changes over time. DESIGN: Analysis and comparison of demographics and disease characteristics of diabetes patients, recorded electronically at intake over 10 years. SETTING: An urban outpatient diabetes clinic. PATIENTS: A total of 8,551 African-American (88%), White (7%), or Hispanic (3%) patients (average age, 52 years; mean diabetes duration, 5.1 years; 59% women). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of patients by ethnic group, age, diabetes duration, initial hemoglobin A1c, and body mass index. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2001, the percentage of African-American patients was relatively unchanged (from 87.6% to 87.2%; P=.2), White patients decreased (from 9% to 5%; P=.0006), and Hispanic patients increased (from 1.3% to 5.5%; P<.0001). Among African-American patients, average age decreased from 52 to 50 years (P=.015), diabetes duration decreased from 5.6 years to 4.3 years (P=.0003), initial hemoglobin A1c decreased from 9.3% to 8.8% (P<.0001), and body mass index increased from 31 kg/m2 to 32.1 kg/m2 (P=.0001). Compared with African-American and White patients, Hispanic patients were younger (P<.0001) and had a lower body mass index (P<.0001) but had hemoglobin A1c comparable to that of African-American patients (9.3% vs 9.1%; P=.45) and higher than that of White patients (9.3% vs 8.7%; P=.0022). CONCLUSIONS: The demographic and disease profiles of patients in this urban diabetes clinic have shifted, and disparities in glycemic control and obesity exist. Modifications in treatment and education approaches may be necessary to compensate for a changing patient population.

The Intelligent Dosing System: application for insulin therapy and diabetes management.

Diabetes mellitus is an increasing public health problem. Insulin is an essential tool in the management of hyperglycemia, but methods of dose adjustment are purely empirical. The Intelligent Dosing System (IDS, Dimensional Dosing Systems, Inc., Wexford, PA) is a software suite that incorporates patient-specific, dose-response data in a mathematical model and then calculates the new dose of the medication needed to achieve the next desired therapeutic goal. We discuss the application of the IDS in insulin management. The IDS concept and the initial modeling used to construct an insulin doser are reviewed first. Additional data are then provided on the use of the IDS for titrating insulin therapy in a clinical setting. Finally, recent modifications in the IDS software and future applications of this technology for insulin dosing and diabetes management are discussed.

Description and preliminary evaluation of a Multiagent Intelligent Dosing System (MAIDS) to manage combination insulin-oral agent therapy in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Computer decision support systems are potentially effective methods for adjusting insulin, but current models do not take into account simultaneous changes of more than one agent. We describe the development of the Multiagent Intelligent Dosing System (MAIDS, Dimensional Dosing Systems, Wexford, PA) for predicting glycemic outcome in response to concurrent dose adjustments in oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin. METHODS: Retrospective data from a patient cohort with type 2 diabetes who had simultaneous changes in insulin and metformin were analyzed. Glycemic markers (fasting glucose, random glucose, or hemoglobin A1c) expected at the visit subsequent to dose changes were calculated using two methods: the previously reported Intelligent Dosing System (IDStrade mark, Dimensional Dosing Systems), which accounts for changes in only one agent, and the MAIDS. Expected results from both systems were correlated with levels actually observed. RESULTS: We analyzed 32 patients with 40 paired visits. For fasting glucose (n = 8 paired visits), the correlation between expected and observed values was 0.07 when using the IDS but 0.78 when using the MAIDS. For random glucose (n = 16 paired visits) the correlation between expected and observed levels was 0.49 for the IDS but 0.79 for the MAIDS. With hemoglobin A1c as the marker (n = 16 paired visits), the correlation was 0.40 when using the IDS but 0.60 with the MAIDS. CONCLUSIONS: The MAIDS allows better prediction of glycemic outcome in circumstances where both insulin and an oral hypoglycemic drug are changed concurrently. Application of the MAIDS to other clinical scenarios, such as simultaneous adjustment of insulin and carbohydrate intake, requires further study.

Management of insulin therapy in urban diabetes patients is facilitated by use of an intelligent dosing system.

The Intelligent Dosing System (IDS, Dimensional Dosing Systems, Inc., Wexford, PA) is a software suite that incorporates patient-specific, dose-response data in a mathematical model, and then calculates the new dose of agent needed to achieve the next desired therapeutic goal. We evaluated use of the IDS for titrating insulin therapy. The IDS was placed on handheld platforms and provided to practitioners to use in adjusting total daily insulin dose. Fasting glucose, random glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were used as markers against which insulin could be adjusted. Values of markers expected at the next follow-up visit, as predicted by the model, were compared with levels actually observed. For 264 patients, 334 paired visits were analyzed. Average age was 54 years, diabetes' duration was 10 years, and body mass index was 33.2 kg/m(2); 57% were female, 88% were African American, and 92% had type 2 diabetes. The correlation between IDS suggested and actual prescribed total daily dose was high (r = 0.99), suggesting good acceptability of the IDS by practitioners. Significant decreases in fasting glucose, random glucose, and hemoglobin A1c levels were seen (all P < 0.0001). No significant difference between average expected and observed follow-up fasting glucose values was found (145 vs. 149 mg/dL, P = 0.42), and correlation was high (r = 0.79). Mean observed random glucose value at follow-up was comparable to the IDS predicted level (167 vs. 168 mg/dL, P = 0.97), and correlation was high (r = 0.73). Observed follow-up hemoglobin A1c was higher than the value expected (7.9% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.0055), but correlation was good (r = 0.70). These analyses suggest the IDS is a useful adjunct for decisions regarding insulin therapy even when using a variety of markers of glucose control, and can be used by practitioners to assist in attainment of glycemic goals.

Exercise preferences and barriers in urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine physical activity preferences and barriers to exercise in an urban diabetes clinic population. METHODS: A survey was conducted of all patients attending the clinic for the first time. Evaluation measures were type and frequency of favorite leisure-time physical activity, prevalence and types of reported barriers to exercise, and analysis of patient characteristics associated with reporting an obstacle to exercise. RESULTS: For 605 patients (44% male, 89% African American, mean age = 50 years, mean duration of diabetes = 5.6 years), the average frequency of leisure activity was 3.5 days per week (mean time = 45 minutes per session). Walking outdoors was preferred, but 52% reported an exercise barrier (predominantly pain). Patients who cited an impediment to physical activity exercised fewer days per week and less time each session compared with persons without a barrier. Increasing age, body mass index, college education, and being a smoker increased the odds of reporting a barrier; being male decreased the chances. Men reported more leisure-time physical activity than women. Exercise preferences and types of barriers changed with age. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of patient exercise preferences and barriers should help in developing exercise strategies for improving glycemic control.

Inpatient to outpatient transfer of care in urban patients with diabetes: patterns and determinants of immediate postdischarge follow-up.

BACKGROUND: A key opportunity for continuing diabetes care is to assure outpatient follow-up after hospitalization. To delineate patterns and factors associated with having an ambulatory care visit, we examined immediate postdischarge follow-up among a cohort of urban, hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Retrospective study of 658 inpatients of a municipal hospital. Primary data sources were inpatient surveys and electronic records. RESULTS: Patients were stratified into outpatient follow-up (69%), acute care follow-up (15%), and those with no follow-up (16%); differences between groups were detected for age (P =.02), percentage discharged with insulin (P =.03), and percentage receiving a full discount for care (P<.001). Among patients with a postdischarge visit, 43% were seen in our specialty diabetes clinic, and 26% in a primary care site. Adjusted analyses showed any follow-up visit significantly decreased with having to pay for care. The odds of coming to the Diabetes Clinic increased if patients were discharged with insulin, had new-onset diabetes, or had a direct referral. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient cohort, most individuals accomplished a postdischarge visit, but a substantial percentage had an acute care visit or no documented follow-up. New efforts need to be devised to track patients after discharge to assure care is achieved, especially in this patient population particularly vulnerable to diabetes.

A simple meal plan emphasizing healthy food choices is as effective as an exchange-based meal plan for urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a simple meal plan emphasizing healthy food choices with a traditional exchange-based meal plan in reducing HbA(1c) levels in urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 648 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive instruction in either a healthy food choices meal plan (HFC) or an exchange-based meal plan (EXCH) to compare the impact on glycemic control, weight loss, serum lipids, and blood pressure at 6 months of follow-up. Dietary practices were assessed with food frequency questionnaires. RESULTS: At presentation, the HFC and EXCH groups were comparable in age (52 years), sex (65% women), weight (94 kg), BMI (33.5), duration of diabetes (4.8 years), fasting plasma glucose (10.5 mmol/l), and HbA(1c) (9.4%). Improvements in glycemic control over 6 months were significant (P < 0.0001) but similar in both groups: HbA(1c) decreased from 9.7 to 7.8% with the HFC and from 9.6 to 7.7% with the EXCH. Improvements in HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were comparable in both groups, whereas other lipids and blood pressure were not altered. The HFC and EXCH groups exhibited similar improvement in dietary practices with respect to intake of fats and sugar sweetened foods. Among obese patients, average weight change, the percentage of patients losing weight, and the distribution of weight lost were comparable with the two approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Medical nutrition therapy is effective in urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes. Either a meal plan emphasizing guidelines for healthy food choices or a low literacy exchange method is equally effective as a meal planning approach. Because the HFC meal plan may be easier to teach and easier for patients to understand, it may be preferable for low-literacy patient populations.

The impact of outpatient diabetes management on serum lipids in urban African-Americans with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Treating dyslipidemia in diabetic patients is essential, particularly among minority populations with increased risk of complications. Because little is known about the impact of outpatient diabetes management on lipid outcomes, we examined changes in lipid profiles in urban African-Americans who attended a structured diabetes care program. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of initial and 1-year follow-up lipid values was conducted among patients selected from a computerized registry of an urban outpatient diabetes clinic. The independent effects of lipid-specific medications, glycemic control, and weight loss on serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were evaluated by analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: In 345 patients (91% African-American and 95% with type 2 diabetes), HbA(1c) decreased from 9.3% at the initial visit to 8.2% at 1 year (P < 0.001); total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower, and HDL cholesterol was higher. After stratifying based on use of lipid-specific therapy, different outcomes were observed. In 243 patients not taking dyslipidemia medications, average total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations at 1 year were similar to initial values, whereas in 102 patients receiving pharmacotherapy, these lipid levels were all lower at 1 year relative to baseline (P < 0.001). Mean HDL cholesterol increased regardless of lipid treatment status (P < 0.001). After adjusting for other variables, changes in LDL cholesterol concentration were associated only with use of lipid-specific agents (P = 0.003), whereas improved HbA(1c) and weight loss had no independent effect. Lipid therapy, improved glycemic control, and weight loss were not independently related to changes in HDL cholesterol and therefore could not account for the positive changes observed. Use of lipid-directed medications, improvement in glycemic control, and weight loss all resulted in significant declines in triglyceride levels but only improved HbA(1c) and weight loss had an independent effect. CONCLUSIONS: Among urban African-Americans, diabetes management led to favorable changes in HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but improved glycemic control and weight loss had no independent effect on LDL cholesterol concentration. Initiation of pharmacologic therapy to treat high LDL cholesterol levels should be considered early in the course of diabetes management to reach recommended targets and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in this patient population.