First scientific research on the use of specialized Diabetes software
First scientific research on the use of specialized Diabetes software
On May 27 of 2010, family medicine physician Frits Cleveringa graduated at the University of Utrecht based on a highly relevant 5-year social study. Never before has a similar research project been done. This is quite remarkable, considering that in general, medical procedures as researched here don’t even see the light of day unless first studied ad nauseam…
His dissertation for the research project addressed the effects of protocol based, delegated diabetes care with the help of decision support software, with quarterly based reports with outcomes data and quality indicators. In other words, the main focus of the study deals with what is otherwise known as “integrated diabetes care networks”, with specific attention to the effect of using specialized diabetes support software. The significance of the project is a) in the overall approach: prospective, randomized and compared to a control group, and b) the thorough evaluation based on clinical parameters, quality of life and cost effectiveness.
The results of Cleveringa’s research project are both relevant and remarkable, for policy makers as well as care providers, simply because the studied method of care proves to be working well. A quick take on the results shows that the quality of care has improved, with at minimum no dissatisfaction amongst patients concerning the more intensive care process. The approach also proves to be more cost-effective. Nonetheless, the results should be tested carefully against the ability to reproduce them in practice:
The results of Cleveringa’s research project are both relevant and remarkable, for policy makers as well as care providers, simply because the studied method of care proves to be working well. A quick take on the results shows that the quality of care has improved, with at minimum no dissatisfaction amongst patients concerning the more intensive care process. The approach also proves to be more cost-effective. Nonetheless, the results should be tested carefully against the ability to reproduce them in practice:
- The studied protocol – the Diabetes Care Protocol – is effective when these three crucial elements are combined: 1) task delegation, 2) decision support software and 3) structured mirror- and benchmark reporting.
- The studied care protocol is cost effective when it focuses on patients that not only have diabetes, but are also subject to increased cardio vascular risks.
The Diabetes Care Protocol has in the mean time evolved into its second incarnation, known as Vital for Diabetes, the integrated diabetes care network software offered by VitalHealth. Vital for Diabetes incorporates the principles of the studied care model, with its functionality expanded to include more care disciplines involved in the care process. In theory this should further improve the effectiveness of the care model… but this has yet to be proven as fact. What has been proven – and this only applies to the studied care model – is that the basis of the Vital for Diabetes model improves care for diabetes patients in a socially responsible manner.
Policy makers assume that diabetes care networks are effective, and there is a growing consensus that specialized software to support these networks is essential. But before this study, that has never been proven. This first study into the value of this method of diabetes care has shown it is indeed effective…
I am curious to find out if the results of this study – typically leading to important medical decisions – will influence the opinions and convictions of policy makers and care providers.
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