Problems in continuity of care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: Continuity of care is an important attribute of healthcare. Problems are particularly common when many patients are discharged from hospitals to primary healthcare centres. However, data on problems in continuity of care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were limited and inconclusive. Objective: This study aimed to identify problems in continuity of care in Indonesia. Method: This observational study was conducted from January to February 2022 in five selected primary healthcare centres (PHC) in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Data were collected using a checklist of the patient’s routine visits, care planning service and follow-up during the transition. Result: Thirty patients were recruited based on their risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Most patients (60%) did not visit the PHC routinely as scheduled, and around 37% of patient medical records were not filled due to inconsistency in the physician assigned per visit. Only six respondents received patient books concerning medication management, while the rest did not get any. Follow-ups for HbA1C testing that were supposed to be provided biannually were not conducted, and only one patient underwent routine fasting blood glucose tests every month. Conclusion: The continuity of care for patients with diabetes mellitus in Indonesia was lacking due to non-adherence to regular treatment, inadequate documentation and absence of follow-up services.