Use of a multidisciplinary tool to achieve target outcomes in Native American patients with diabetes: Treat-to-target

PURPOSE Our purpose was to test a communication tool used in a multidisciplinary setting to more effectively achieve the recommended goals for glucose, blood pressure, lipids, and prophylactic aspirin use in a Native American population with type 2 diabetes. METHODS One hundred randomly selected patients were included in this observational, pre-intervention, post-intervention study design. The team began with a chart audit documenting hemoglobin A(1c) (Hgb A(1c)), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and aspirin use. The intervention included the development of a one page form used to prompt providers to intensify therapy when the patient was not meeting evidence-based goals. The audit was repeated one year later. RESULTS Analysis of 74 patients completing the study showed a decrease in Hgb A1C from 8.812% pre-intervention to a mean 8.214% post-intervention (p < 0.007). At the time of pre-intervention audit, patients were already at target for blood pressure and no significant further decrease was found. Measures of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and aspirin use showed improvement, but statistical significance was not met. CONCLUSION The one-page multidisciplinary tool used to intensify therapy significantly improved glucose control. More consistent interaction of the multidisciplinary team is necessary to reach other desired goals.