The conflict between specialist diabetes services and acute-general internal medicine for consultant diabetologists in the UK in 2006.
An online survey of consultant diabetologists in the UK examined the interface between specialist services and acute-general internal medicine (acute-GIM). Out of 592 consultants, 289 (49%) responded. Of these, 94% contributed to acute-GIM, devoting equivalent time to acute-GIM and specialist diabetes services. Of the respondents, 10% provided a single-handed specialist service and 78% provided endocrine services. The survey found the input to acute-GIM was increasing, partly because other specialties were opting out. The increased commitment to acute-GIM compromised specialist diabetes activity through reduced consultant and training-grade time for outpatient activity and service development. The shift to primary care of chronic disease led to further conflict between acute-GIM and delivery of a specialist service, given the current systems for provision of consultant-led care. The large number of specialist trainees in diabetes and endocrinology will require innovative commissioning mechanisms that reflect the need to sustain and develop specialist diabetes and endocrine care in the appropriate settings as well as the continued input in acute trusts for acute-GIM.
Winocour
Peter H
PH
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, Herts. peter.winocour@nhs.net
Gosden
Charlotte
C
Walton
Chris
C
Turner
Bridget
B
Nagi
Dinesh
D
Holt
Richard I G
RI
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy; D004704:Endocrinology; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008511:Medicine; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013038:Specialization; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom