Do multidisciplinary care plans result in better care for patients with type 2 diabetes?
BACKGROUND
Since the introduction of the Enhanced Primary Care package, care plans have become part of Australian general practice. Previous research has focused on barriers to the uptake of care plans. This study examined the effect of multidisciplinary care plans on provision and outcome of care for patients with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
A retrospective before/after medical record audit design was chosen. Subjects of the study were general practitioners practising in Southwest Sydney (New South Wales) and their diabetic patients who had written care plans. Outcome measures were frequency and results of glycosylated haemoglobin, blood pressure, foot, serum lipids, weight, and microalbumin checks.


RESULTS
The medical records of 230 patients were audited. Following the care plan, adherence to diabetes guidelines increased. Metabolic control and cardiovascular risk factors improved for patients who had multidisciplinary care implemented.


CONCLUSIONS
Whether the improved diabetes care shown here is attributed to improved teamwork and/or coordination of care needs further research.
Zwar
Nicholas A
NA
School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, General Practice Unit, Sydney South West Area Health Service, New South Wales, Australia. nicholas.zwar@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Hermiz
Oshana
O
Comino
Elizabeth J
EJ
Shortus
Timothy
T
Burns
Joan
J
Harris
Mark
M
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies