Using type 2 diabetes population data in general practice may affect workflow and clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

Studies have demonstrated that electronic feedback utilising patient data from general practice may effectively promote adherence to treatment guidelines, making it a valuable tool for quality improvement. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of data-driven quality improvement in general practice on clinical outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 15 general practitioners participated in a quality development process with visits from an organisational advisor. Six other control clinics did not participate in the quality process. Diabetes-related data were gathered at baseline and after six and 12 months.

RESULTS

The intervention improved adherence to guidelines. We observed between-group effects for the proportion of annual control within 12 months, HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and estimated glomerular filtration rate measurements, the proportion of patients with LDL less-than 2.5 mmol/l and a reduction in patients with ischaemic heart disease and no secondary prevention treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention may represent an easy-to-implement solution to creating workflow routines by comprehensively analysing the patient population at the clinic level. However, selection bias may influence the results.

FUNDING: The study was funded by Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Regional ethics committee of the capital region (F-22073139).