Patients referred with type 2 diabetes remain in specialist care for a long period

INTRODUCTION

Patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes are usually managed in general practice. The aim of this study was to describe the duration of contact for patients referred from primary care to a diabetes outpatient clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study is a retrospective study with follow-up of at least 12 months or until discharged. Risk stratification was performed at referral and when patients were returned to primary care. A total of 154 patients with type 2 diabetes were referred to the clinic in the 2004-2009 period. The main outcome measure was the duration of contact with the diabetes clinic.

RESULTS

In all, 105 patients were returned to primary care after a median of ten months (range 1-64 months) and six visits (1-25
visits). Half of the patients were returned to primary care after 18 months, and 20% were still in contact with the diabetes
clinic after six years. The majority were classified as high-risk patients with no difference in risk level between patients followed ≤ 12 or > 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The complication level was high even among discharged patients. The long duration of the contact for the patients who were returned to primary health care should stimulate initiatives leading to a faster course in the secondary care setting.

FUNDING

Not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not relevant.

CORRESPONDENCE: Troels Kjærskov Hansen. E-mail: tkh@studmed.au.dk.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at www.danmedj.dk.

REFERENCE: Dan Med J 2014;61(4):A4798