Improving diabetes patient outcomes: framing research into the chronic care model

To review recent research findings that improve outcomes for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and frame them within the chronic care model (CCM).

Published research studies and research reviews from multiple computerized databases were examined regarding care of patients with T2DM.

Improving outcomes for patients with chronic diseases such as T2DM is a healthcare system imperative. Disease management must shift from an incomplete and scattered focus on episodic care to a comprehensive model of care such as offered by the CCM. This model emphasizes the essential elements of health organization, clinical information systems, decision support, delivery system design, self-management support, and community required to effectively improve care for these patients.

Understanding the comprehensive elements needed for quality chronic disease care is essential to improving outcomes. As new interventions for improving T2DM outcomes become available, the nurse practitioner (NP) must be able to evaluate these as they relate to elements of care that comprise the CCM. Framing new research interventions into this model allows the NP to assume a multifaceted leadership role in improving the care and outcomes of these patients.