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).