A service evaluation of the north east Essex Diabetes Service (NEEDS)

Abstract

Background Improving outcomes and the integration of diabetes care for adults is an NHS ambition. In north east Essex, an innovative community-based diabetes service (north east Essex Diabetes service (NEEDS)) was developed to provide a single point of access providing continuity of care across an integrated, interprofessional care pathway. Aim To gain a greater understanding of the implementation of NEEDS from the perspective of staff and those receiving care. Design and Setting A mixed methods approach was used. Retrospective data from GP surgeries involved in NEEDS were analysed. Further data was collected using online surveys (n=21) and focus groups (workforce n=23; patients n=6). Results The results demonstrated a clear pathway of diabetes care across an integrated, interprofessional care system. Standard care processes and patient outcomes were higher than those recorded for other GP surgeries across England. Patients reported that they received support and had more control over their care. The workforce reported a reduction in bureaucracy and blurring of professional boundaries, and thus autonomy to develop the service. The ‘virtual ward’ provided a true multidisciplinary team approach. Conclusion NEEDS demonstrated a holistic integrated approach to patient care. Patients and workforce reported feeling empowered, with high quality of care