A comprehensive patient-held record for diabetes. Part two: Large-scale assessment of the diabetes databank by patients and health care workers

Abstract

After initial development and patient assessment (Phase 1), a modified patient-held diabetes record or 'databank' was distributed to 885 patients (Phase 2). A sample of 400 health professionals was also asked to assess the modified databank. At the end of the 4-month assessment period, 70% of the patients were using the databank. In a subset of 102 of these, 47% had taken it to health care appointments, a similar response to that in Phase 1 (53%). However, databank records were updated more often at appointments during Phase 2 (86% vs 71% in Phase I; P=0.007), especially by general practitioners. Of 100 health professionals who had encountered the databank, >66% found it easy to follow and supported its routine use, 83% had updated information and 43% started that it assisted management. A comprehensive patient-held record was supported by most patients and health professionals. Although information technology may revolutionize medical records, the diabetes databank could complement new information storage media. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.