AN AUDIT OF THE PROCESS OF DIABETIC CARE IN A LARGE FAMILY-PRACTICE IN RIYADH

Objectives: This audit was conducted to assess the standard of care fo r diabetes patients provided by the primary care physicians of a large family practice in Riyadh before a diabetic care protocol could be de veloped for a continuing audit, to promote improved future diabetic ca re. Method: A total of 300 consecutive diabetic patient files were rev iewed by two senior departmental physicians on 10 clinical and biochem ical markers of performance used in a similar UK study. Patient charac teristics including age, sex, smoking status; type of care and the the rapeutic management were also noted.Results: Some recommended markers of expected care such as blood pressure, weight and blood sugar were r ecorded in a high percentage of patients. In addition, areas where imp rovement in care is needed have been identified. Patients managed on i nsulin only, comprised 9.6%; 1.7% were prescribed oral hypoglycaemics plus insulin; 11.3% were prescribed diet alone. The rest (77.4%) were prescribed oral hypoglycaemics. Conclusion: Continuing audit of diabet es care in a primary care setting is a useful exercise for developing protocols and improving patient care.