Quality Improvement in Cost Control with the Treatment of Patients with Controlled Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic complex disease that requires long term healthcare and resources. Its increasing prevalence emphasizes the issue of healthcare cost management. The aim of this study was to evaluate and improve the costs with therapeutics of diabetic patients, in a Portuguese family practice unit.
Methods: This is a quality improvement study. The population included patients observed in a family practice unit with a diabetes mellitus diagnosis. Results related to prescription costs and glycemic control were analyzed. After an initial evaluation two more were obtained, 6 and 10 months after the beginning of the study. As for the interventions, recommendations on self-monitoring of blood sugar levels were divulged, a prescription flowchart was elaborated and a healthy eating and exercise recommendation manual was distributed.
Results: In the first cycle of quality improvement, a slight increase in costs was observed, however at the end of the evaluation period a decrease in costs was obtained. An associated improvement in glycemic control was obtained, as well as an increase in the proportion of patients considered as controlled.
Conclusion: This study granted not only a reduction in costs, but also an improvement in the follow-up and treatment of diabetic patients.