Improvement of clinical decision in the monitoring of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i6.13748Keywords:
Clinical governance, Diabetes mellitus, Blood glucose self-monitoringAbstract
Introduction: In primary health care, diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 (DM2), is a health problem with a significant clinical and financial impact. In Portugal, more than one-third of non-insulin-treated DM2 patients receive prescriptions for blood glucose self-monitoring products, despite limited evidence of their actual relevance.
Objectives: To assess the effects of ARSC’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee recommendation nº 2/2019 on the prescription of reactive strips for DM2 on clinical decision, expected results, and organizational practices.
Methods: Application of a questionnaire to the coordinators of ARSC units to assess the impact of the recommendation in their unit and evaluation of BI-CSP data. The data were processed using SPSS® and Microsoft Excel®.
Results: Responses were obtained from 59 out of 141 units. The recommendation was discussed and implemented in 67.9% of the units. In 61.9% of cases, an improvement in outcomes was observed, and 95.2% of coordinators indicated changes in the medical team’s behaviors. Additionally, 98.2% considered that the recommendation contributed to reducing the use of ineffective treatments, and 98% reported that it promoted the dissemination of good audit practices within the units. The BI-CSP data show a reduction in the number of DM2 patients with self-monitoring product prescriptions in all ACeS in the ARSC, with this reduction being more pronounced in the ARSC compared to the other ARS. The number of prescribed packages also decreased more significantly in the ARSC compared to other regions.
Discussion: The results suggest a positive impact of the recommendation on clinical practice. This study highlights the importance of investing in research on interventions that improve the quality of health care and promote greater clinical and administrative efficiency.
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