Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be preventable, sometimes there are causative factors that cannot be modified. One thing that stays consistent, however, is that the PCMH model is ideal for both identifying patients at risk for diabetes and managing patients with diabetes. NCQA wanted to equip learners with the knowledge needed to identify patients with diabetes and prediabetes, and to educate them on risk factors, consequences and prevention so they can participate in shared decision making with patients.
NCQA developed a program to effect change in clinician practices and improve patient outcomes. The program centered around identifying patients with diabetes and prediabetes, engaging care teams in preventing diabetes, reviewing risk factors and individualizing glycemic targets. Learners reviewed long-term complications of diabetes, available treatments and medications and the integral role a PCMH model plays in providing the best possible care. They also received a refresher on translating clinical evidence examining the safety, efficacy and optimal use of available agents for T2DM into customized treatment decisions for patients who are not achieving glycemic goals.
This program increased awareness of the safety, efficacy and optimal use of available agents for T2DM and improved competence in preventing vascular complications. After participating in the learning activity, clinicians had a 1.8-fold increase (67% post-activity vs. 38% pre-activity) in knowledge of the recommended blood pressure target for T2DM patients and a 1.4-fold increase (67% post-activity vs. 47% pre-activity) in clinician ability to identify evidence-based, optimal treatment for T2DM patients. Program participation also resulted in a 2.3-fold increase in knowledge of five main treatment goals in diabetes care, with an estimated patient impact of over 33,000 individuals.