Diabetes information systems: a rapidly emerging support for diabetes surveillance and care.
BACKGROUND
With the rapid advances in information technology in the last decade, various diabetes information systems have evolved in different parts of the world. Availability of new technologies and information systems for monitoring and treating diabetes is critical to achieving recommended metabolic control, including glycosylated hemoglobin levels. The first step is to develop a registry, including a patient identifier that can link multiple data sources, which can then serve as a springboard to electronic mechanisms for practitioners to gain information on performance and results.


OBJECTIVE
The aim is to review the provisions for diabetes surveillance in different parts of the world. This is a systematic review of national and regional information systems for diabetes surveillance.


METHODS
A comprehensive review was undertaken using Medline literature review, internet search using the Google search engine, and e-mail consultation with opinion leaders. TOPICS REVIEW: National/regional-level diabetes surveillance systems in Europe, the United States, Australia/New Zealand, and Asia have been reviewed. State-of-the-art diabetes information systems linking multiple data sources, with extensive audit and feedback capabilities, have also been looked at.


RESULTS
National/regional-level audit databases have been tabulated. Diabetes information systems linking multiple data sources have been described. Most of the developed countries have now implemented systems such as diabetes registers and audits for diabetes surveillance in at least some regions, if not nationally. Developing nations are beginning to recognize the need for chronic disease management.


CONCLUSIONS
With the advancements in information technology, the diabetes registers have the potential to rise beyond their traditional functions with dynamic data integration, decision support, and data access, as demonstrated by some diabetes information systems. With the rapid pace of development in electronic health records and health information systems, countries that are beginning to build their health information technology infrastructure could benefit from planning and funding along these lines.
Joshy
Grace
G
Waikato Clinical School, University of Auckland, Hamilton, New Zealand. joshyg@waikatodhb.govt.nz
Simmons
David
D
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D009313:National Health Programs; D012041:Regional Medical Programs