Implementing Effective Care Through Utilization of Diabetes-Focused "Right Care" Visits in a Suburban Primary Care...

Background: Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of lower limb amputations, adult-onset blindness, and renal failure. It is estimated that 34.2 million Americans have a diabetes diagnosis, and the prevalence of this condition has continually increased over the last two decades. This study includes patients at a large, suburban primary care practice in southwest Ohio who were considered to have uncontrolled diabetes based on their last Hemoglobin A1c of greater than 9%. Compliance with recommended annual screenings among this population was 15%. Objectives: The aim of this project was to improve glycemic control and increase the number of patients who received the recommended annual screenings through the implementation of nurse practitioner-driven, diabetes-focused "Right Care" visits.C Methods: This quality improvement pilot study consisted of interventions implemented over the four plan-do-study-act cycles. Each cycle included a test of change that was identified based on data from previous cycles to ensure continuous improvement throughout project implementation. Four interventions were evaluated including the utilization of a diabetes registry, implementation of a "Right Care" checklist during "Right Care" visits, use of a patient engagement tool with a focus on individualizing diabetes medication regimens, and implementation of a team-engagement plan. Results: Average Hemoglobin A1c reduction was 2.4% post-"Right Care" visit. Compliance with the annual screening bundle increased to 44% over 8 weeks. Utilization of the patient/provider relationship increased visit compliance by 18%, and the team engagement plan decreased work-related stress by 12%. Conclusions: The implementation of "Right Care" visits led to improved glycemic control and increased compliance with the recommended annual screenings among patients with an A1c greater than 9%. The patient engagement tool identified key factors related to diabetes medication adherence and team engagement decreased work-related stress and improved annual fundoscopic exam screening compliance. Implications for Nursing: Nurse practitioner-led "Right Care" visits utilize the knowledge and skills of advanced practice registered nurses to improve glycemic control in patients with uncontrolled diabetes.