An approach to the use of the DO IT Study Group guidelines for supporting the optimal implementation of information systems in diabetes care

The usefulness of the 1992 DO IT Study Group guidelines for diabetes data information systems was assessed using two established diabetes databases designed for different purposes. The recommendations detailed in the guidelines, written in four separate but overlapping modules, were applied individually to each database in turn. Percentage compliance with the recommendation to collect the DIABCARE dataset was high, after discounting specialist areas. While on the whole the information systems complied with the guidelines within the purposes for which they were designed, areas highlighted as demanding further action in at least one of the two systems included password protection, data validation checks, screen design, and communication with those whose records were held on the systems. Application of the guidelines is already stimulating attention to some of these areas. Some of the guidelines proved rather vague in construction to be applied in any formal sense, while others (for example in relation to international accreditation of datasets) were not applicable to individual systems. The results suggest the importance of a structured approach to the design, development, and ongoing assessment of information systems in diabetes, but require the present guidelines to develop a more formal structure to be fully effective. The widespread adoption and further testing and refinement of these guidelines (both within and outside Europe) should promote the ultimate goal of improved diabetes care.