Comparison of the quality of diabetes care in primary care diabetic clinics and general practice clinics.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the quality of care provided to diabetic hypertensive patients by diabetic clinics versus general practice clinics (GP-clinics) in a primary care setting.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients from six primary care centres in Bahrain.


RESULTS
The recommended target blood pressure <130/85 mmHg was achieved in 6.8 and 10%, and glycated haemoglobin <7% was attained in 14.8 and 11% of patients attending diabetic clinics (n=177) and GP-clinics (n=180), respectively. Although complementary antihypertensive combinations were prescribed at a rate less than that recommended in guidelines, combinations were significantly more often prescribed for patients attending the GP-clinics (46.7% [95% CI 39.4-53.9] versus 33.4% [CI 26.8-40.6]; p=0.01). The prescribing pattern and rank-order of antihypertensive and oral hypoglycaemic agents prescribed, either as monotherapy or in combinations, were similar in both clinics. The majority of diabetic hypertensive patients attending diabetic clinics or GP-clinics were at high cardiovascular risk. Anthropometric characteristics were recorded consistently in patients attending diabetic clinics. Laboratory investigations were extensively utilized for monitoring patients attending diabetic clinics.


CONCLUSIONS
In primary care, in both diabetic clinics and GP-clinics, hypertension and diabetes were inadequately controlled, with no difference between the two settings. An integrated approach involving diabetic clinics managed by primary care physicians and nurses trained in diabetes management, and supported by national guidelines, is needed.
Al Khaja
K A J
KA
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Arabian Gulf University, P.O. Box 22979, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. khlidj@agu.edu.bh
Sequeira
R P
RP
Damanhori
A H H
AH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001445:Bahrain; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents