The work of a diabetes clinic: an audit.
OBJECTIVE
To audit outcome and process of care at the diabetic and medical clinics.


METHODS
Prospective interventional study with each patient acting as a retrospective control.


METHODS
The Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital (SJGH) diabetic clinic.


METHODS
250 consecutive patients with NIDDM transferred to the diabetic clinic from the general medical clinic.


METHODS
Participation in a structured scheme of health care delivery which included patient education dietary advice and screening for complications.


METHODS
Fasting blood glucose, patients' knowledge score, patient satisfaction, frequency of screening.


RESULTS
A Significant improvement was seen after attendance at the diabetic clinic in fasting blood glucose (8.7 SD 1.3 vs 12.5 SD 3.2 mmol/l, p < 0.05), body mass index (26.8 SD 0.6 vs 27.4 SD 0.4 kg/m2, p < 0.05), admission rates (10% vs 21%, p < 0.05), patients knowledge score (76 SD 12 vs 42 SD 16%, p < 0.05) rates of screening for retinopathy (88% vs 6%, p < 0.05) and patient satisfaction in clinical care (87% vs 13%, p < 0.05). There was no significant improvement in cholesterol levels (5.7 SD 0.1 vs 5.8 SD 0.9 mmol/l).


CONCLUSIONS
The diabetes clinic is a more efficient system and a more appropriate setting to care for patients with NIDDM.
Fernando
D J
DJ
Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital, Talapathpitiya, Nugegoda.
Perera
S D
SD
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013188:Sri Lanka