Delivering ‘Results to Patients’ builds partnerships and facilitates diabetes care planning

Abstract

‘Results to Patients' was designed to assist people with diabetes to engage in effective care planning. Quality improvement techniques helped create a low-cost, highly automated process capable of sending all patients with diabetes the result of their HbA1c blood test directly. Timeliness means patients have adequate time for personal reflection ahead of care planning. The design and content of the document was shaped by extensive patient involvement. This was piloted in 1,800 diabetes patients and evaluated by questionnaire, with paired patient and healthcare professional responses. Patient satisfaction was high, 73% found this helpful, 76% said this made it easier to talk to their doctor/nurse and 89% wished to receive this in future. Healthcare professionals reported that, in 74% of cases, consultations were facilitated and there were no extra time pressures. Patients reported positive behavioural changes and enhanced engagement. These were verified in the comments received from their healthcare professionals.

The low cost and high utility of the Results to Patients project makes this a high impact technology with evidence that it has the potential to enhance patient-important diabetes outcomes.