Implementation and Evaluation of Diabetes Clinical Practice Guidelines in a Primary Care Clinic Serving a Hispanic Community

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major health concern in the United States. Poor quality diabetes care leads to negative outcomes affecting patients and healthcare systems. Research shows evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2017, have improved outcomes in management of diabetes. AIMS: The aim of this improvement project was to improve diabetes care and outcomes in a primary care clinic serving a Hispanic community in Miami-Dade, Florida. Specific objectives of the project were to improve primary care provider attitudes and knowledge of American Diabetes Association guidelines and outcomes in patients with diabetes. METHODS: This two-phase quality improvement project used a pre- and post-test study design. In Phase I, the Diabetes Attitude Survey was administered to determine primary care provider attitudes and knowledge of guidelines. Based on survey results, a 2-hr educational intervention was developed to inform providers regarding the American Diabetes Association clinical practice guidelines. In Phase II, data were collected for 19 clinical quality diabetes outcome measures from agency reports. Guidelines were implemented into practice, and intervention effectiveness was evaluated. RESULTS: Statistical analysis (paired-sample t-test) revealed postintervention improvement in provider knowledge and attitudes, and patient outcomes. Findings suggest the intervention led to improvements in the quality of diabetes care in this Hispanic clinic. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Project success supports the importance of evidence-based clinical practice guideline use to achieve better diabetes outcomes. Implementation of the American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes to improve patient outcomes is strongly recommended. It is equally important that clinical agencies educate and update primary care providers to achieve best practice and best patient diabetes outcomes. Other healthcare professionals can use this project design to provide culturally competent care to patients with diabetes.