title: Process improvement approach to the care of patients with type 2 diabetes. Providing physicians with tools to increase compliance and improve outcomes.
abstract: Diabetes care relies on patient/physician-initiated programs of periodic evaluation, monitoring, and treatment interventions. Clinical practice guidelines can assist clinicians in diabetes care. To improve outcomes, these methods must be designed and implemented in a way that promotes change in physician behavior. When guidelines are corrected to real-time reminder protocols (at the time the physician is making clinical decisions with the patient), compliance with recommended tests and procedures is increased. Follow-up analysis of performance and comparison with peers assists physicians in making the necessary clinical interventions that improve the management of these conditions and reduce complications. Integrated electronic medical records are a key initial component for motivating physicians and initiating effective diabetes management plans.
authors.affiliation: Carilion Medical Group, Carilion Internal Medicine, 199 Hospital Dr, Ste 5, Galax, VA 24333, USA. jnuckolls@carilion.com
authors.forename: James G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Nuckolls
mesh_terms: D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017010:Reminder Systems; D014481:United States; D014768:Virginia