Evaluation of application effects of electronic clinical pathways for type 2 diabetes mellitus in community

Objective To explore the empirical effect of electronic clinical pathway for type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to provide basis for its further promotion and use in the community. Methods A total of 264 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have signed a family doctor contract with our general practitioners in Weifang Community Health Service Center from March to May 2010 were selected as study subjects. They were randomly divided into electronic clinical pathway group(132 cases) and control group(132 cases) by random number method. One year later, signs and metabolic indexes of the patients before and after intervention were compared. Results After 1 year of standardized management of electronic clinical pathway, fasting blood glucose [(6.29±0.76) mmol/L], HbA1 c [(6.76± 0.36)%], and low-density lipoprotein [(2.65±0.88) mmol/L] in the electronic clinical pathway group were lower than that before intervention [(7.80± 0.65) mmol/L,(7.72±0.41) %, and(2.81±0.93) mmol/L, respectively], with statistically significant differences(all P<0.05). After intervention, fasting blood glucose [(7.40±0.52) mmol/L], HbA1 c [(7.29±0.49)%], and low-density lipoprotein [(3.07±0.80) mmol/L] in the electronic clinical pathway group were all lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences(all P<0.05). Conclusion Electronic clinical pathway can not only standardize the diagnosis and treatment of general practitioners, strengthen the follow-up management of patients with diabetes, but also improve the compliance and satisfaction of patients. Comprehensive use of electronic clinical pathways for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus could be considered and extended to other communities.