[Technical efficiency in primary care for patients with diabetes].
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the technical efficiency of diabetes care in family practice settings, characterize the provision of services and health results, and recognize potential sources of variation.


METHODS
We used data envelopment analysis with inputs and outputs for diabetes care from 47 family units within a social security agency in Nuevo Leon. Tobit regression models were also used.


RESULTS
Seven units were technically efficient in providing services and nine in achieving health goals. Only two achieved both outcomes. The metropolitan location and the total number of consultations favored efficiency in the provision of services regardless of patient attributes; and the age of the doctor, the efficiency of health results.


CONCLUSIONS
Performance varied within and among family units; some were efficient at providing services while others at accomplishing health goals. Sources of variation also differed. It is necessary to include both outputs in the study of efficiency of diabetes care in family practice settings.
Salinas-Martínez
Ana María
AM
Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y en Servicios de Salud, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México.
Amaya-Alemán
María Agustina
MA
Arteaga-García
Julio César
JC
Núñez-Rocha
Georgina Mayela
GM
Garza-Elizondo
María Eugenia
ME
D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014504:Urban Health
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002784:Cholesterol