This program was designed to identify and address root causes of quality care gaps and support patients with T2D and obesity in achieving sustained glycemic control and weight management. In collaboration with 2 systems in geographic regions with high rates of diabetes and obesity, we leveraged our differentiated implementation science capabilities to uncover key drivers of quality care gaps through patient chart audits along with surveys of interprofessional teams and patients. These data informed the design and implementation of action plans, which included rapid hemoglobin A1C testing during each T2D patient visit and purchasing new equipment to expand testing to other clinics within the network for one of our partners. The other system hired a dietitian to help patients with T2D meet their goals and launched virtual visits to allow for more timely monitoring and intervention. These action plans led to measurable improvements in objective patient health outcomes, including lower A1C levels, BMI and body weight. Key findings from the project were presented at the 2023 American Diabetes Association Conference and the 2022 Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists Conference, thereby providing a blueprint to drive sustainable changes in health outcomes for patients with T2D and obesity.
Learning Objectives:
Assess current practice patterns and barriers to sustained glycemic control and weight management in patients with T2D
Align clinical practices with current clinical data and guidelines for appropriate treatment and management of patients with T2D
Incorporate evidence-based strategies and tools into clinic workflows to inform decision-making in T2D to improve long-term health in T2D patients
Apply recent clinical trial evidence and guidelines to the individualized selection of diabetes therapies and management strategies for achieving treatment goals in patients with poor glycemic control
Implement team-based action plans to improve treatment outcomes in patients with T2D
