THE DIABETES CARE SUPPORT SERVICE FOR GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS IN AUCKLAND

Aims. Diabetic complications can often be prevented by timely detectio n and intervention. Optimising diabetes care requires effective monito ring of risk factors at both practice and district level. We describe a novel method which combines district monitoring of diabetes with enh anced diabetes care by individual general practitioners. Methods. All general practitioners in south and west Auckland (n=291) were invited to join the Diabetes Care Support Service (DCSS). This involved the id entification of all diabetic patients within the practice and the comp letion of an audit form with key measures of diabetes and its care. Re sults. Audit was completed for 217 (75%) of general practitioners and 4611 diabetic patients: 39% of general practitioners completed their o wn audit. The proportion of completed patient assessments ranged betwe en 35% (foot pulses) and 89% (blood pressure). The process was found t o be helpful by 88% of general practitioners (who commented). Conclusi on. The DCSS is a seamless, service-orientated approach to the deliver y of diabetes care by primary and secondary services and is likely to improve care district-wide and identify the need for further intervent ions. Subsequent audit passes will allow the demonstration and monitor ing of any changes that occur, as well as the demonstration of its fea sibility and acceptability on an ongoing basis.