Nurse Care Manager Impact on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at a Rural Primary Care Practice

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a common diagnosis managed in the primary care setting. Patients with an uncontrolled state of the condition are most vulnerable to develop complications from the disease. Consequently, type 2 diabetes remains as the leading cause of end stage renal disease and nontraumatic limb amputations. Objectives: To improve type 2 diabetes quality measures, improve documentation of quality measures, increase the continuity of care, and create a streamlined workflow and communication within an interdisciplinary team. Methods: Quality improvement project to establish multifaceted management of type 2 diabetes. Data on the management of care was gathered pre-/post-implementation and compared. Results: Multifaceted management of type 2 diabetes did not improve quality measures; however, an increase in documentation, communication, continuity of care, self-efficacy of care, staff satisfaction, financial incentives, and quality recognition was found. Conclusions: Multifaceted management of type 2 diabetes can provide an increase in patient outcomes, quality measures, and existing workflows. Implications: The use of a multifaceted management for type 2 diabetes can transcend all chronic conditions in the primary care setting. Further study is needed in multiple settings and applied to other chronic conditions