Diabetes Transition Care From an Inpatient to Outpatient Setting in a Veteran Population: Quality Improvement Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate a diabetes transition care program in a population of veterans with diabetes by calculating 30-day readmission rates and assessing glycemic control. Methods: Hospitalized patients with poorly controlled diabetes were identified to participate in the diabetes transition care program. The program included follow-up through a postdischarge telephone call by the diabetes educator, with an opportunity for a face-to-face clinic visit. A retrospective before-and-after study design was used. Analysis included calculating the readmission rate and the pre- and postintervention A1C rates to evaluate the intervention. Results: Of the 40 participants, 100% completed the intervention. All 40 participants received a postdischarge telephone call as follow-up, with 20% presenting for a face-to-face visit. The 30-day readmission rate for the cohort was 10%, in comparison to 14.3% for patients who did not receive the intervention but were otherwise comparable. For those who had repeat A1C measurements conducted 2 to 8 months after time of enrollment in the program (n = 33), average A1C declined −2.2%, from 11.3% (100 mmol/mol) to 9.1% (76 mmol/mol). Conclusions: Diabetes-specific transition of care for those with complex psychiatric, medical, and social needs was feasible, with good outcomes in hospital readmission rates and glycemic control, when executed by an adult nurse practitioner who was the inpatient diabetes educator.