Diabetes Resources
Diabetes prevention and management using the Pen Computer Systems Clinical Audit Tool
The Diabetes Australia – Vic General Practice Program team has just completed a new resource called “Diabetes prevention and management in general practice: Using the Pen Computer Systems Clinical Audit Tool."
This evidence-based resource will guide general practices through step by step instructions for using the Clinical Audit Tool (CAT) for effective prevention and management of diabetes. There are screen shots for easy comparison with practice software, activities to try out new skills and plenty of spaces to take notes while working through the various sections.
The resource can be downloaded in full (6.2MB) or by sections on the General Practice Program page of the DA–Vic website:
Lifestyle Modification Program
Many Divisions have reported challenges in supporting General Practice to identify appropriate patients for subsidised Lifestyle Modification Programs. Divisions can assist practices to use clinical audit tools and medical software to search for patients who are likely to meet the criteria for subsidised Life Style Modification Programs. Evidence from states where the program has been trialled suggests that where there is targeted practice support activity to identify patients there are more referrals
Why use practice data to identify appropriate patients?
- Eligible patients are less likely to visit their GP as they are not yet experiencing symptoms
- Eligible patients are working age and may not be aware that they are at risk or what they should do about it
- Divisions have a key role in supporting practices to take a population health and prevention approach and in supporting patients to become active and responsible health consumers able to manage their own health risks and choices
- Once a patient is identified, the practice staff send a letter to each patient to encourage them to take the Diabetes Risk Test
- By identifying eligible patients and using item 713, GPs can be compensated at a higher rate for preventative activities already undertaken in General Practice
Searching clinical software for eligible patients:
- Using Medical Director to identify patients who may be eligible for LMP programs click here to view
- Using the Pen Clinical Audit Tool to identify patients who may be eligible for LMP Programs click here to view
Now the practice has identified eligible patients, what do I do next?
Once patients are identified, the practice can generate an LMP Recall Letter and send this to the patient with a copy of the AUSDRISk test.. The recall letter invites the patient to complete the self administered AUSDRisk test. If the patient scores over 15 it is suggested they make an appointment to see their General Practitioner to discuss referral to a Lifestyle Modification Program or other appropriate interventions such as use of Lifestyle Modification Programs or referral to other local and state based options such as the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Services