The impact of a decision support tool linked to an electronic medical record on glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes

10Citations
Citations of this article
83Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Aims: We retrospectively compared glycemic control and glycemic burden in type 2 diabetes patients treated by general physicians with access to decision support with those treated by general physicians without access to decision support. Methods: A total of 875 patients [471 (53.8%) males] aged 54.3 [standard deviation (SD) 13.1] years followed up over 84 months. A total of 342 patients (39%) were managed with decision support, and effects on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed. Results: There was no diference between groups in starting HbA1c [7.6 (SD 1.8) versus 7.5 (SD 1.5); p = not significant] at baseline. Patients treated with decision support were more likely to have planned review of HbA1c, adjustment of medication, prescription of statins, dietetic and nurse educator inputs (71.3% versus 58.5%; Chi squared = 14.7; p =.001). The mean HbA1c in the group treated with decision support was not significantly reduced within the first year [7.5% (SD 1.8) versus 7.6% (SD 1.5); p = not significant; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.33 to 0.17], but statistically significant diferences were apparent at year 2 [7.2% (SD 2.0) versus 8% (SD 3.4); p =.0001; 9 5% C I - 1.3 t o - 0.5] and sustained through year 3 [ 7.2% ( SD 2.0) versus 8.0% ( SD 2.0); p =.0001; 95% CI -1.2 to -0.6], year 4 [7.2% (SD 2.3) versus 8.2% (SD 2.5); p =.0001; 95% CI -1.2 to - 0.6], year 5 [7.0% (SD 2.3) versus 8.3% (SD 2.6); p =.001; 95% C I -1.5 to - 0.8], year 6 [7.0% (SD 2.0) versus 8.2% (SD 2.4); p =.001; 95% CI -1.5 to -0.9], and year 7 [6.9% (SD 1.2) versus 8% (SD 1.8); p =.001; 95% CI -1.4 to -1.0]. Conclusion: Use of a decision support system showed benefits in adherence to clinical care pathways and achieving significant improvements in glycemic control. © Diabetes Technology Society.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Gunathilake, W., Gunawardena, S., Fernando, R., Thomson, G., & Fernando, D. (2013). The impact of a decision support tool linked to an electronic medical record on glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 7(3), 653–659. https://doi.org/10.1177/193229681300700310

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free