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 for diabetes patients provided by the primary care physicians of a large family practice in Riyadh before a diabetic care protocol could be developed for a continuing audit, to promote improved future diabetic care. Method : A total of 300 consecutive diabetic patient files were reviewed by two senior departmental physicians on 10 clinical and biochemical markers of performance used in a similar UK study. Patient characteristics including age, sex, smoking status ; type of care and the therapeutic management were also noted. Results : Some recommended markers of expected care such as blood pressure, weight and blood sugar were recorded in a high percentage of patients. In addition, areas where improvement in care is needed have been identified. Patients managed on insulin 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 diabetes care in a primary care setting is a useful exercise for developing protocols and improving patient care.