Towards Patient-Oriented Diabetes Care: Results from Two KORA Surveys in Southern Germany

• Main Authors: Michaela Schunk, Renée Stark, Peter Reitmeir, Christa Meisinger, Rolf Holle
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2015-01-01
• Series: Journal of Diabetes Research
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/368570

Objective. This study aims to examine the relationship of diabetes care processes and patient outcomes with an expanded set of indicators regarding patient-oriented care delivery, such as treatment satisfaction, the quality of patient-physician relationship, and a wider range of patient outcomes such as self-management, health behaviour, disease-related burden, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Methods. The study population consisted of 486 participants with type 2 diabetes in two population-based follow-up surveys, conducted in 2003 to 2005 and 2006 to 2008 in Southern Germany. Data were self-reported and questionnaire-based, including the SF-12 for HRQL. Multiple regression models were used to identify associations between care processes and outcomes with adjustment for confounders. Results. Frequent medical examinations increased the likelihood of self-monitoring activities, such as foot care. A positive patient experienced relationship with their physician is associated with higher adherence to medical recommendations, such as medication intake, and the score of the SF-12 mental component. Participants with diabetes-related complications reported higher levels of medical examinations and multiprofessional care. Conclusions. Indicators of patient-oriented care should become an indispensable part of diabetes clinical practice guidelines with the aim of striving for more effective support of patients.