Information Quality Healthcare Helps Improve Diabetes Care Through
Electronic Tracking
Information and Quality Healthcare, the QIO for Mississippi, set out to
improve diabetic patient outcomes through the tracking of diabetes and
immunization indicators at Gulf Coast Endocrinology, a clinic with
approximately 500 patients
The IQH-developed COMMAND patient registry tool was used to build a
database of all patients with the diagnosis of diabetes The focus was on
the American Diabetes Association ADA standards of care Tracking the
patient data contributes to improved patient outcomes, ensuring that
necessary tests are performed as recommended
Current best practice recommendations identify individuals with diabetes at
high risk for complications Key indicators tracked on the COMMAND
software included aspirin recommendation, LDL, Alc, blood pressure, and
influenza immunization Information was entered in the COMMAND software,
tracking over 400 patients The software was utilized to identify patients
who missed appointments and needed to reschedule It was used to generate
patient reminder letters when specific tests were due It also notified
patients affected by product
recalls or warnings
With the assistance of the QIO-provided technology, documentation of lipid
panels increased from 86 to 92 percent; A1cs were performed on 98 percent
of patients; blood pressure was monitored 100 percent of the time; and 41
percent of patients were given influenza immunizations at the time of the
visit or had already had the shot prior to the visit in the first year of
tracking influenza immunizations Additionally, the database was used for
enrolling patients in various studies and trials; for identifying patients
missing appointments; for notifying patients when an insulin pump was
removed from the market; and for communicating with pharmaceutical
representatives
Having demographics and medication patterns at a moments notice helps me
to identify treatment modalities in my practice COMMAND software provided
me with outcomes data for the first time on the use of influenza
immunization This represented my first benchmark to be improved upon for
the next year I have shared the COMMAND software with nurse practitioners
at numerous lectures since I implemented it in my clinic At least one of
the practitioners began utilization of the program immediately, said
KC
Arnold, A N P, B C - A D M, the nurse practitioner running the
clinic
Name/Contact: Marsha Watson, RN, Quality Improvement Manager, 601-957-1575
ext 232
e-mail mwatson@msqiosdpsorg
Source:ahqa.org
