Documentation of complications of diabetes in a primary care centre

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a common problem with profound health consequences. Much attention has been directed towards the patient's role in the prevention of the complications of diabetes. The authors reviewed the clinical records of 46 diabetic patients in a Family Practice Residency Program with emphasis on the prevention of diabetic complications from the standpoint of the physician's responsibility. Eye, lower extremity, and renal care were evaluated, along with hypertension since it is an important exacerbating factor in diabetes. Clinic attrition rates were also assessed. Retinal history was recorded for 24% of patients while only 22% were referred to ophthamologists. A urinalysis was obtained in 57% of patients with approximately 25% of those examined having proteinuria. Blood pressure measurements were uniformly recorded although adequate blood pressure control was achieved in only 41% of the study group. Twenty‐eight per cent of patients had recorded evidence of significant lower extremity pathology, yet just 37% had any documentation of a lower extremity examination. The median clinic attendance time was 2.94 months with 43% of patients lost to follow‐up after the first visit. While these data suggest inadequate documentation of the performance of routine measures in the case of diabetes mellitus, they provide a strong incentive for improvement.