Utilization of health care quality markers in a family medicine outpatient setting.
OBJECTIVE
There is a growing demand for quality improvement in the health care system. This study sought to generate "report cards" for primary care resident physicians on their use of quality markers related to diabetes care.


METHODS
Electronic medical records [electronic health records] were reviewed for the care provided to diabetics by resident physicians.


RESULTS
We were able to generate a report card for each resident physician. We found that compliance rates and mean values improved with increased frequency of visits for the following parameters: (1) HgbA1c testing and mean values, (2) lipid profile screening and mean values of low density lipoproteins, (3) administration of pneumococcal vaccine, and (4) prescription of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blockers.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to generate report cards for resident physicians to evaluate their performance related to diabetes care. There was a correlation between increased frequency of visits and better performance.
Hussain
K Ahmed
KA
Department of Family Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, 46202-2213, USA.
Kelton
Gaylen M
GM
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008485:Medical Audit; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*