A COMPREHENSIVE REGISTER FOR DIABETIC OUTPATIENTS - EXPERIENCE WITH DESK-TOP COMPUTING FROM 1987-1996

Diabetes mellitus affects all parts of the body, and all aspects of li fe for the patient. To manage patients effectively, we need a record o f who has diabetes, where they are treated, by whom, and with what res ults. In 1985 we devised a standardised data collection form in our cl inic and in 1987 we established a comprehensive register of patients t reated in our clinics. Our Diabetes Care Centre serves a population of 287460 based in an industrial area with high levels of social and eco nomic deprivation. The database includes demographic details, risk fac tors including smoking and alcohol intake, duration of diabetes, type of treatment, biochemical results including blood glucose, glycosylate d haemoglobin, details of blood lipids and renal function. We also rec ord details of diabetic eye disease, foot disease, nerve pathway disea se, cardiovascular disease, and skin complications. We record the type of treatment including diet, tablets, and insulin and we audit the in cidence of diabetic complications including ketoacidosis, amputation, and blindness due to diabetes. From 1994 onwards we compiled a distric t register of patients including those not seen by us. Our computerise d database enables us to monitor our clinics, audit our results, pursu e research, set targets, and facilitates contracting for diabetes care with our purchasers. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All right s reserved.