title: Diabetes intervention in the information age. Overcoming Clinical Inertia: A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Telehealth Remote Monitoring Intervention Using Paired Glucose Testing in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Web-based care management in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. The Cholesterol, Hypertension, And Glucose Education (CHANGE) study: results from a randomized controlled trial in African Americans with diabetes. Improving Diabetes Care in Practice Impact of MyCareTeam for poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Improved Glycemic Control Without Hypoglycemia in Elderly Diabetic Patients Using the Ubiquitous Healthcare Service, a New Medical Information System Biophysiologic outcomes of the Enhancing Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes (ENHANCE) trial. Web-Based Collaborative Care for Type 2 Diabetes The Vermont Diabetes Information System: A Cluster Randomized Trial of a Population Based Decision Support System Combined Task Delegation, Computerized Decision Support, and Feedback Improve Cardiovascular Risk for Type 2 Diabetic Patients Effects of a Brief Office-Based Intervention to Facilitate Diabetes Dietary Self-Management A pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial of a Diabetes REcall And Management system: the DREAM trial An endocrinologist-supported intervention aimed at providers improves diabetes management in a primary care site: improving primary care of African Americans with diabetes (IPCAAD) 7. A controlled trial of web-based diabetes disease management: the MGH diabetes primary care improvement project. Impact of automated calls with nurse follow-up on diabetes treatment outcomes in a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System: a randomized controlled trial. Research Paper: A Randomized Trial Comparing Telemedicine Case Management with Usual Care in Older, Ethnically Diverse, Medically Underserved Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: 5 Year Results of the IDEATel Study The impact of planned care and a diabetes electronic management system on community-based diabetes care: the Mayo Health System Diabetes Translation Project. The D-Net diabetes self-management program: long-term implementation, outcomes, and generalization results. Chronic care model and shared care in diabetes: randomized trial of an electronic decision support system. The Effect of Intensive Treatment of Diabetes on the Development and Progression of Long‐Term Complications in Insulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Individualized electronic decision support and reminders to improve diabetes care in the community: COMPETE II randomized trial The effects of a web-based intervention on the physical outcomes associated with diabetes among adults age 60 and older: a randomized trial. Use of a Registry-generated Audit, Feedback, and Patient Reminder Intervention in an Internal Medicine Resident Clinic—A Randomized Trial Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35): prospective observational study Practice-linked online personal health records for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial. Impact of computer-generated personalized goals on HbA(1c). Do automated calls with nurse follow-up improve self-care and glycemic control among vulnerable patients with diabetes? Evaluating the impact of mobile telephone technology on type 2 diabetic patients' self-management: the NICHE pilot study. Telemedicine improved diabetic management. Health information technology and physician perceptions of quality of care and satisfaction. Impact of Electronic Health Record Clinical Decision Support on Diabetes Care: A Randomized Trial
abstract: Sustained improvement in blood glucose control is the only treatment outcome which will reduce or eliminate the long term complications of diabetes mellitus . We have design ed and evaluated an electronic information system which facilitates this task . The system is voice-interactive , physician directed and affords , to remote patients , 24 h access via touch-tone telephone . Accordingly , patients access the system each day to report self-measured blood glucose levels or hypoglycaemic symptoms together with dietary changes , planned exercise , stress , illness or other lifestyle events . In turn they receive immediate advice with respect to medication dosing changes , and other pertinent feedback . Preliminary system beta-testing for safety and efficacy was performed for one year in an open study of 204 patients derived from two independent , health-care environments . Among the two testing centres , over 60,000 telephone cells were received by the computer systems during the start-up year . Safety and efficacy expectations were met . In addition , prevalence of diabetes related crises ( hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia ) fell approximately 3-fold . Glycated haemoglobin fell significantly ( 1.0 - 1.3 % ) in patients actively using the system . In control groups of patients not actively using the system , there were no improvements in metabolic control while body weights were stable in all groups . The new system was safe and effective in our h and s and empowered our health professionals to provide improved diabetes care Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a worldwide challenge . Practice guidelines promote structured self-monitoring of blood glucose ( SMBG ) for informing health care providers about glycemic control and providing patient feedback to increase knowledge , self-efficacy , and behavior change .  Paired glucose testing — pairs of glucose results obtained before and after a meal or physical activity — is a method of structured SMBG . However , frequent access to glucose data to interpret values and recommend actions is challenging . A complete feedback loop— data collection and interpretation combined with feedback to modify treatment — has been associated with improved outcomes , yet there remains limited integration of SMBG feedback in diabetes management . Incorporating telehealth remote monitoring and asynchronous electronic health record ( EHR ) feedback from certified diabetes educators (CDEs)—specialists in glucose pattern management — employ the complete feedback loop to improve outcomes . Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate a telehealth remote monitoring intervention using paired glucose testing and asynchronous data analysis in adults with type 2 diabetes . The primary aim was change in glycated hemoglobin (A1c)—a measure of overall glucose management — between groups after 6 months . The secondary aims were change in self-reported Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities ( SDSCA ) , Diabetes Empowerment Scale , and Diabetes Knowledge Test . Methods A 2-group r and omized clinical trial was conducted comparing usual care to telehealth remote monitoring with paired glucose testing and asynchronous virtual visits .  Participants were aged 30 - 70 years , not using insulin with A1c levels between 7.5 % and 10.9 % ( 58 - 96 mmol/mol ) . The telehealth remote monitoring tablet computer transmitted glucose data and facilitated a complete feedback loop to educate participants , analyze actionable glucose data , and provide feedback . Data from paired glucose testing were analyzed asynchronously using computer-assisted pattern analysis and were shared with patients via the EHR weekly . CDEs called participants monthly to discuss paired glucose testing trends and treatment changes . Separate mixed-effects models were used to analyze data . Results Participants ( N=90 ) were primarily white ( 64 % , 56/87 ) , mean age 58 ( SD 11 ) years , mean body mass index 34.1 ( SD 6.7 ) kg/m2 , with diabetes for mean 8.2 ( SD 5.4 ) years , and a mean A1c of 8.3 % ( SD 1.1 ; 67 mmol/mol ) . Both groups lowered A1c with an estimated average decrease of 0.70 percentage points in usual care group and 1.11 percentage points in the treatment group with a significant difference of 0.41 percentage points at 6 months ( SE 0.08 , t159=–2.87 , P=.005 ) . Change in medication ( SE 0.21 , t157=–3.37 , P=.009 ) was significantly associated with lower A1c level . The treatment group significantly improved on the SDSCA subscales carbohydrate spacing ( P=.04 ) , monitoring glucose ( P=.001 ) , and foot care ( P=.02 ) . Conclusions An eHealth model incorporating a complete feedback loop with telehealth remote monitoring and paired glucose testing with asynchronous data analysis significantly improved A1c levels compared to usual care . Trial Registration Clinical trials.gov NCT01715649 ; https://www . clinical trials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01715649 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ZinLl8D0 ) OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of web-based care management on glucose and blood pressure control over 12 months in patients with poorly controlled diabetes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS For this study , 104 patients with diabetes and HbA(1c ) ( A1C ) > or = 9.0 % who received their care at a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center were recruited . All participants completed a  diabetes education class  and were r and omized to continue with their usual care ( n = 52 ) or receive web-based care management ( n = 52 ) . The web-based group received a notebook computer , glucose and blood pressure monitoring devices , and access to a care management website . The website provided educational modules , accepted uploads from monitoring devices , and had an internal messaging system for patients to communicate with the care manager . RESULTS Participants receiving web-based care management had lower A1C over 12 months ( P < 0.05 ) when compared with education and usual care . Persistent website users had greater improvement in A1C when compared with intermittent users ( -1.9 vs. -1.2 % ; P = 0.051 ) or education and usual care ( -1.4 % ; P < 0.05 ) . A larger number of website data uploads was associated with a larger decline in A1C ( highest tertile -2.1 % , lowest tertile -1.0 % ; P < 0.02 ) . Hypertensive participants in the web-based group had a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure ( P < 0.01 ) . HDL cholesterol rose and triglycerides fell in the web-based group ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Web-based care management may be a useful adjunct in the care of patients with poorly controlled diabetes BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) and diabetes account for one-third of the mortality difference between African American and white patients . We evaluated the effect of a CVD risk reduction intervention in African Americans with diabetes . METHODS We r and omized 359 African Americans with type 2 diabetes to receive usual care or a nurse telephone intervention .  The 12-month intervention provided monthly self-management support and quarterly medication management facilitation . Co primary outcomes were changes in systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) , hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) , and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) over 12 months . We estimated between-intervention group differences over time using linear mixed-effects models . The secondary outcome was self-reported medication adherence . RESULTS The sample was 72 % female ; 49 % had low health literacy , and 37 % had annual income < $ 10,000 . Model-based estimates for mean baseline SBP , HbA1c , and LDL-C were 136.8 mm Hg ( 95 % CI 135.0 - 138.6 ) , 8.0 % ( 95 % CI 7.8 - 8.2 ) , and 99.1 mg/dL ( 95 % CI 94.7 - 103.5 ) , respectively . Intervention patients received 9.9 ( SD 3.0 ) intervention calls on average . Primary providers replied to 76 % of nurse medication management facilitation contacts , 18 % of these result ed in medication changes . There were no between-group differences over time for SBP ( P = .11 ) , HbA1c ( P = .66 ) , or LDL-C ( P = .79 ) . Intervention patients were more likely than those receiving usual care to report improved medication adherence ( odds ratio 4.4 , 95 % CI 1.8 - 10.6 , P = .0008 ) , but adherent patients did not exhibit relative improvement in primary outcomes . CONCLUSIONS This intervention improved self-reported medication adherence but not CVD risk factor control among African Americans with diabetes . Further research is needed to determine how to maximally impact CVD risk factors in African American patients OBJECTIVE —The purpose of this study was to determine whether implementation of a multicomponent organizational intervention can produce significant change in diabetes care and outcomes in community primary care practice s. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —This was a group-r and omized , controlled clinical trial evaluating the practical effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention ( TRANSLATE )  in 24 practice s. The intervention included implementation of an electronic diabetes registry , visit reminders , and patient-specific physician alerts . A site coordinator facilitated previsit planning and a monthly review of performance with a local physician champion . The principle outcomes were the percentage of patients achieving target values for the composite of systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) < 130 mmHg , LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dl , and A1C < 7.0 % at baseline and 12 months . Six process measures were also followed . RESULTS —Over 24 months , 69,965 visits from 8,405 adult patients with type 2 diabetes were recorded from 238 health care providers in 24 practice s from 17 health systems .  Diabetes process measures increased significantly more in intervention than in control practice s , giving net increases as follows : foot examinations 35.0 % ( P < 0.0.001 ) ; annual eye examinations 25.9 % ( P < 0.001 ) ; renal testing 28.5 % ( P < 0.001 ) ; A1C testing 8.1%(P < 0.001 ) ; blood pressure monitoring 3.5 % ( P = 0.05 ) ; and LDL testing 8.6 % ( P < 0.001 ) . Mean A1C adjusted for age , sex , and comorbidity decreased significantly in intervention practice s ( P < 0.02 ) . At 12 months , intervention practice s had significantly greater improvement in achieving recommended clinical values for SBP , A1C , and LDL than control clinics ( P = 0.002 ) . CONCLUSIONS — Introduction of a multicomponent organizational intervention in the primary care setting significantly increases the percentage of type 2 diabetic patients achieving recommended clinical outcomes OBJECTIVE Web-based diabetes management can be used to provide frequent interactions between patients and providers and thus result in improved glycemic control . METHODS In a single-center , prospect i ve feasibility study , 16 poorly controlled patients with either type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled to assess the impact of using MyCareTeam , a web-based diabetes management application , for diabetes management . Patients were asked to transfer their blood glucose data electronically , maintain exercise logs , and communicate with their provider via MyCareTeam . The provider gave clinical interventions to optimize blood glucose control and provided feedback via MyCareTeam . Diabetes , nutrition , and exercise information was also available via MyCareTeam . RESULTS A significant reduction of over 2.22 % points in hemoglobin A1C was seen for the total patient population . Differences between moderate/heavy users ( n = 8) versus light/never users ( n = 8) of MyCareTeam were evaluated for intergroup differences based upon utilization . Moderate/heavy users had a significant 6-month A1C reduction of 3.15 percentage points compared with a reduction of 1.28 percentage points in light/never users . Other secondary end points were improved as well , including systolic blood pressure , diastolic blood pressure , total cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein , low-density lipoprotein , and triglycerides . However , as expected , body mass index levels increased because of aggressive diabetes management with insulin therapy . CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a significant treatment effect from the MyCareTeam application . A larger r and omized control trial is under way at the Boston Veterans Administration Healthcare System . If these results are confirmed as expected , then web-based diabetes management may prove to be the link to achieving target American Diabetes Association glycemic goals in patients with poorly controlled diabetes OBJECTIVE To improve quality and efficiency of care for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes , we introduced elderly-friendly strategies to the clinical decision support system (CDSS)-based ubiquitous healthcare ( u-healthcare ) service , which is an individualized health management system using advanced medical information technology . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a 6-month r and omized , controlled clinical trial involving 144 patients aged > 60 years . Participants were r and omly assigned to receive routine care ( control , n = 48 ) , to the self-monitored blood glucose ( SMBG  , n = 47 ) group , or to the u-healthcare group ( n = 49 ) . The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving A1C < 7 % without hypoglycemia at 6 months . U-healthcare system refers to an individualized medical service in which medical instructions are given through the patient ’s mobile phone . Patients receive a glucometer with a public switched telephone network-connected cradle that automatically transfers test results to a hospital-based server . Once the data are transferred to the server , an automated system , the CDSS rule engine , generates and sends patient-specific messages by mobile phone . RESULTS After 6 months of follow-up , the mean A1C level was significantly decreased from 7.8 ± 1.3 % to 7.4 ± 1.0 % ( P < 0.001 ) in the u-healthcare group and from 7.9 ± 1.0 % to 7.7 ± 1.0 % ( P = 0.020 ) in the SMBG group , compared with 7.9 ± 0.8 % to 7.8 ± 1.0 % ( P = 0.274 ) in the control group . The proportion of patients with A1C < 7 % without hypoglycemia was 30.6 % in the u-healthcare group , 23.4 % in the SMBG group ( 23.4 % ) , and 14.0 % in the control group ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS The CDSS-based u-healthcare service achieved better glycemic control with less hypoglycemia than SMBG and routine care and may provide effective and safe diabetes management in the elderly diabetic patients BACKGROUND Behavioral research to improve lifestyle in broadly defined population s of patients with type 2 diabetes is limited . OBJECTIVE We evaluated a behavioral intervention featuring technology-based self-monitoring on biophysiologic outcomes of glycemic control and markers of cardiovascular risk . DESIGN In this single-site , r and omized clinical trial , participants were stratified by good and poor glycemic control ( glycated hemoglobin < 8 % or ≥8 % ) and absence or presence of kidney disease , ( estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 or < 60 mL/min ) and r and omized within strata . Measurements were obtained at 0 , 3 , and 6 months . PARTICIPANTS / SETTING Self-referred , community-dwelling adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus . INTERVENTION The intervention group received Social Cognitive Theory-based counseling paired with technology-based self-monitoring , and results were compared with an attention control group . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Glycated hemoglobin , fasting serum glucose , lipid levels , blood pressure , weight , body mass index , and waist circumference were evaluated . STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Mean differences within and between r and omization groups were compared over time . Intervention effects over time were estimated using r and om intercept models . RESULTS Two hundred ninety-six subjects were r and omized , 256 ( 86.5 % ) completed 3-month and 246 ( 83.1 % ) completed 6-month assessment s. Glycated hemoglobin was reduced in the intervention group by 0.5 % at 3 months and 0.6 % at 6 months ( P<0.001 for each ) , and the control group by 0.3 % ( P<0.001 ) at 3 months and 0.2 % ( P<0.05 ) at 6 months ; but between-group differences were not significant . In those with baseline glycated hemoglobin ≥8 % and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min , glycated hemoglobin was reduced in the intervention group by 1.5 % at 3 months and 1.8 % at 6 months ( P<0.001 for each ) , and the control group by 0.9 % ( P<0.001 ) at 3 months and 0.8 % ( P<0.05 ) at 6 months ; but between-group differences were not significant . In r and om intercept models , the estimated reduction in glycated hemoglobin of 0.29 % was not significant . CONCLUSIONS Two behavioral approaches to improving general lifestyle management in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were effective in improving glycemic control , but no significant between-group differences were observed OBJECTIVE —To test Web-based care management of glycemic control using a shared electronic medical record with patients who have type 2 diabetes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —We conducted a trial of 83 adults with type 2 diabetes r and omized to receive usual care plus Web-based care management or usual care alone between August 2002 and May 2004 . All patients had GHb ≥7.0 % , had Web access from home , and could use a computer with English language –based programs . Intervention patients received 12 months of Web-based care management . The Web-based program included patient access to electronic medical records , secure e-mail with providers , feedback on blood glucose readings , an educational Web site , and an interactive online diary for entering information about exercise , diet , and medication . The primary outcome was change in GHb . RESULTS —GHb levels declined by 0.7 % ( 95 % CI 0.2−1.3 ) on average among intervention patients compared with usual-care patients . Systolic blood pressure , diastolic blood pressure , total cholesterol levels , and use of in-person health care services did not differ between the two groups . CONCLUSIONS —Care management delivered through secure patient Web communications improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes BACKGROUND Optimal care for patients with diabetes is difficult to achieve in clinical practice . OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of a registry and decision support system on processes of care , and physiologic control . PARTICIPANTS R and omized trial with clustering at the practice level , involving 7,412 adults with diabetes in 64 primary care practice s in the Northeast . INTERVENTIONS Provider decision support ( reminders for overdue diabetes tests , alerts regarding abnormal results , and quarterly population reports with peer comparisons ) and patient decision support ( reminders and alerts ) . MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Process and physiologic outcomes were evaluated in all subjects . Functional status was evaluated in a r and om patient sample via question naire . We used multiple logistic regression to quantify the effect , adjusting for clustering and potential confounders . Intervention subjects were significantly more likely to receive guideline -appropriate testing for cholesterol ( OR = 1.39 ; [ 95%CI 1.07 , 1.80 ] P = 0.012 ) , creatinine ( OR = 1.40 ; [ 95%CI 1.06 , 1.84 ] P = 0.018 ) , and proteinuria ( OR = 1.74 ; [ 95%CI 1.13 , 1.69 ] P = 0.012 ) , but not A1C ( OR = 1.17 ; [ 95 % CI 0.80 , 1.72 ] P = 0.43 ) . Rates of control of A1C and LDL cholesterol were similar in the two groups . There were no differences in blood pressure , body mass index , or functional status . CONCLUSIONS A chronic disease registry and decision support system based on easily obtainable laboratory data was feasible and acceptable to patients and providers . This system improved the process of laboratory monitoring in primary care , but not physiologic control OBJECTIVE —The Diabetes Care Protocol combines task delegation ( a practice nurse ) , computerized decision support , and feedback every 3 months . We studied the effect of the Diabetes Care Protocol on A1C and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients in primary care . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —In a cluster r and omized trial , mean changes in cardiovascular risk factors between the intervention and control groups after 1 year were calculated by generalized linear models . RESULTS —Throughout the Netherl and s , 26 intervention practice s included 1,699 patients and 29 control practice s 1,692 patients . The difference in A1C change was not significant , whereas total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol , and blood pressure improved significantly more in the intervention group . The 10-year coronary heart disease risk estimate of the UK Prospect i ve Diabetes Study improved 1.4 % more in the intervention group . CONCLUSIONS —Delegation of routine diabetes care to a practice nurse combined with computerized decision support and feedback did not improve A1C but reduced cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients OBJECTIVE There is a pressing need for brief practical interventions that address diabetes management . Using a r and omized design , we evaluated a medical office-based intervention focused on behavioral issues relevant to dietary self-management . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS There were 206 adult diabetes patients r and omized to usual care or brief intervention  , which consisted of touchscreen computer-assisted assessment to provide immediate feedback on key barriers to dietary self-management , and goal setting and problem-solving counseling for patients . Follow-up components to the single session intervention included phone calls and interactive video or videotape instruction as needed . RESULTS Multivariate analyses of covariance revealed that the brief intervention produced greater improvements than usual care on a number of measures of dietary behavior ( e.g. , fewer calories from saturated fat , fewer high-fat eating habits and behaviors ) at the 3-month follow-up . There were also significant differences favoring intervention on changes in serum cholesterol levels and patient satisfaction but not on glycosylated hemoglobin . The intervention effects were relatively robust across a variety of patient characteristics , the two participating physicians , and intervention staff members . CONCLUSIONS If the long-term results are equally positive and generalize to other setting , this intervention could provide a prototype for a feasible cost-effective way to integrate patient views and behavioral management into office-based care for diabetes Abstract Background Following the introduction of a  computerised diabetes register in part of the northeast of Engl and , care initially improved but then plateaued . We therefore enhanced the existing diabetes register to address these problems . The aim of the trial was to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of an area wide ' extended , ' computerised diabetes register incorporating a full structured recall and management system , including individualised patient management prompts to primary care clinicians based on locally-adapted , evidence -based guidelines . Methods The study design was a pragmatic , cluster r and omised controlled trial , with the general practice as the unit of r and omisation . Set in 58 general practice s in three Primary Care Trusts in the northeast of Engl and , the study outcomes were the clinical process and outcome variables held on the diabetes register , patient-reported outcomes , and service and patient costs . The effect of the intervention was estimated using generalised linear models with an appropriate error structure . To allow for the clustering of patients within practice s , population averaged models were estimated using generalized estimating equations . Results Patients in intervention practice s were more likely to have at least one diabetes appointment recorded ( OR 2.00 , 95 % CI 1.02 , 3.91 ) , to have a recording of a foot check ( OR 1.87 , 95 % CI 1.09 , 3.21 ) , have a recording of receiving dietary advice ( OR 2.77 , 95 % CI 1.22 , 6.29 ) , and have a recording of blood pressure ( BP ) ( OR 2.14 , 95 % CI 1.06 , 4.36 ) . There was no difference in mean HbA1c or BP levels , but the mean cholesterol level in patients from intervention practice s was significantly lower ( -0.15 mmol/l , 95 % CI -0.25 , -0.06 ) . There were no differences in patient-reported outcomes or in patient-reported use of drugs , or uptake of health services . The average cost per patient was not significantly different between the intervention and control groups . Costs incurred in administering the system at the register and in general practice were in addition to these . Conclusion This study has shown benefits from an area-wide , computerised diabetes register incorporating a full structured recall and individualised patient management system . However , these benefits were achieved at a cost . In future , these costs may fall as electronic data exchange becomes a reliable reality . Trial registration : International St and ard R and omised Controlled Trial Number ( IS RCT N ) Register , IS RCT N32042030 OBJECTIVE Management of diabetes is frequently suboptimal in primary care setting s , where providers often fail to intensify therapy when glucose levels are high , a problem known as clinical inertia . We asked whether interventions targeting clinical inertia can improve outcomes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A controlled trial over a 3-year period was conducted in a municipal hospital primary care clinic in a large academic medical center . We studied all patients ( 4,138 ) with type 2 diabetes who were seen in continuity clinics by 345 internal medicine residents and were r and omized to be control subjects or to receive one of three interventions . Instead of consultative advice , the interventions were hard copy computerized reminders that provided patient-specific recommendations for management at the time of each patient 's visit , individual face-to-face feedback on performance for 5 min every 2 weeks , or both . RESULTS Over an average patient follow-up of 15 months within the intervention site , improvements in and final HbA1c ( A1C ) with feedback + reminders ( deltaA1C 0.6 % , final A1C 7.46 % ) were significantly better than control ( deltaA1C 0.2 % , final A1C 7.84 % , P < 0.02 ) ; changes were smaller with feedback only and reminders only ( P = NS vs. control ) . Trends were similar but not significant with systolic blood pressure ( sBP ) and LDL cholesterol . Multivariable analysis showed that the feedback intervention independently facilitated attainment of American Diabetes Association goals for both A1C and sBP . Over a 2-year period , overall glycemic control improved in the intervention site but did not change in other primary care sites ( final A1C 7.5 vs. 8.2 % , P < 0.001 ) . CONCLUSIONS Feedback on performance aim ed at overcoming clinical inertia and given to internal medicine resident primary care providers improves glycemic control . Partnering generalists with diabetes specialists may be important to enhance diabetes management in other primary care setting OBJECTIVE To test effects of a web-based decision support tool , the diabetes Disease Management Application ( DMA ) , developed to improve evidence -based management of type 2 diabetes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a group r and omized controlled trial of 12 intervention and 14 control staff providers and 307 intervention and 291 control patients with type 2 diabetes in a hospital-based internal medicine clinic . Providers were r and omly assigned from May 1998 through April 1999 to have access to the DMA ( intervention ) or not to have access ( control ) . The DMA displays interactive patient-specific clinical data , treatment advice , and links to other web-based care re sources . We compared patients in the intervention and control groups for changes in processes and outcomes of care from the year preceding the study through the year of the study by intention-to-treat analysis . RESULTS The DMA was used for 42 % of scheduled patient visits . The number of HbA(1c ) tests obtained per year increased significantly in the intervention group ( + 0.3 tests/year ) compared with the control group ( -0.04 tests/year , P = 0.008 ) , as did the number of LDL cholesterol tests ( intervention , + 0.2 tests/year ; control , + 0.01 tests/year ; P = 0.02 ) and the proportions of patients undergoing at least one foot examination per year ( intervention , + 9.8 % ; control , -0.7 % ; P = 0.003 ) . Levels of HbA(1c ) decreased by 0.2 in the intervention group and increased by 0.1 in the control group ( P = 0.09 ) ; proportions of patients with LDL cholesterol levels < 130 mg/dl increased by 20.3 % in the intervention group and 10.5 % in the control group ( P = 0.5 ) . CONCLUSIONS Web-based patient-specific decision support has the potential to improve evidence -based parameters of diabetes care OBJECTIVE We evaluated automated telephone disease management ( ATDM ) with telephone nurse follow-up as a strategy for improving diabetes treatment processes and outcomes in Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA ) clinics . We also compared the results with those of a prior ATDM trial conducted in a county health care system . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 272 VA patients with diabetes using hypoglycemic medications were r and omized . During the 1-year study period , intervention patients received biweekly ATDM health assessment and self-care education calls , and a nurse educator followed up with patients based on their ATDM assessment reports . Telephone surveys were used to measure patients ' self-care , symptoms , and satisfaction with care . Outpatient service use was evaluated using electronic data bases and self-reports , and glycemic control was measured by HbA1c and serum glucose testing . RESULTS At 12 months , intervention patients reported more frequent glucose self-monitoring and foot inspections than patients receiving usual care and were more likely to be seen in podiatry and diabetes specialty clinics . Intervention patients also were more likely than control patients to have had a cholesterol test . Among patients with baseline HbA1c levels > or = 8 % , mean end-point values were lower among intervention patients than control patients ( 8.7 vs. 9.2 % , respectively ; P = 0.04 ) . Among intervention and control patients with baseline values > or = 9 % , mean end-point values were 9.1 and 10.2 % , respectively ( P = 0.04 ) . At follow-up , intervention patients reported fewer symptoms of poor glycemic control than control patients and greater satisfaction with their health care . CONCLUSIONS This intervention improved the quality of VA diabetes care . Intervention effects for most end points replicated findings from the prior county clinic trial , although intervention-control differences in the current study were smaller because of the relatively good self-care and health status among the current study 's enrollees CONTEXT Telemedicine is a promising but largely unproven technology for providing case management services to patients with chronic conditions and lower access to care . OBJECTIVES To examine the effectiveness of a telemedicine intervention to achieve clinical management goals in older , ethnically diverse , medically underserved patients with diabetes . DESIGN , Setting , and Patients A r and omized controlled trial was conducted , comparing telemedicine case management to usual care , with blinded outcome evaluation , in 1,665 Medicare recipients with diabetes , aged > /= 55 years , residing in federally design ated medically underserved areas of New York State . Interventions Home telemedicine unit with nurse case management versus usual care . Main Outcome Measures The primary endpoints assessed over 5 years of follow-up were hemoglobin A1c ( HgbA1c ) , low density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , and blood pressure levels . RESULTS Intention-to-treat mixed models showed that telemedicine achieved net overall reductions over five years of follow-up in the primary endpoints ( HgbA1c , p = 0.001 ; LDL , p < 0.001 ; systolic and diastolic blood pressure , p = 0.024 ; p < 0.001 ) . Estimated differences ( 95 % CI ) in year 5 were 0.29 ( 0.12 , 0.46)% for HgbA1c , 3.84 ( -0.08 , 7.77 ) mg/dL for LDL cholesterol , and 4.32 ( 1.93 , 6.72 ) mm Hg for systolic and 2.64 ( 1.53 , 3.74 ) mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure . There were 176 deaths in the intervention group and 169 in the usual care group ( hazard ratio 1.01 [ 0.82 , 1.24 ] ) . CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine case management result ed in net improvements in HgbA1c , LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure levels over 5 years in medically underserved Medicare beneficiaries . Mortality was not different between the groups , although power was limited . Trial Registration http:// clinical trials.gov Identifier : NCT00271739 OBJECTIVE The Mayo Health System Diabetes Translation Project sought to assess models of community-based diabetes care and use of a diabetes electronic management system ( DEMS ) . Planned care is a re design ed model of chronic disease care that involves guideline implementation , support of self-management , and use of clinical information systems . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied adult diabetic patients attending three primary care practice sites in Wisconsin and Minnesota . We implemented planned care at all sites and DEMS in the practice of 16 primary care providers . We assessed quality of diabetes care using st and ard indicators for 200 patients r and omly selected from each site at baseline and at 24 months of implementation . We used multivariable analyses to estimate the association between planned care and DEMS and each quality indicator . RESULTS Planned care was associated with improvements in measurement of HbA(1c ) ( odds ratio 7.0 [ 95 % CI 4.2 - 11.6 ] ) , HDL cholesterol ( 5.6 [ 4.1 - 7.5 ] ) , and microalbuminuria ( 5.3 [ 3.5 - 8.0 ] ) , as well as the provision of tobacco advice ( 6.9 [ 4.7 - 10.1 ] ) , among other performance measures . DEMS use was associated with improvements in all indicators , including microalbuminuria ( 3.2 [ 1.9 - 5.2 ] ) , retinal examination ( 2.4 [ 1.5 - 3.9 ] ) , foot examinations ( 2.3 [ 1.2 - 4.4 ] ) , and self-management support ( 2.6 [ 1.7 - 3.8 ] ) . Although planned care was associated with improvements in metabolic control , we observed no additional metabolic benefit when providers used DEMS . CONCLUSIONS Planned care was associated with improved performance and metabolic outcomes in primary care . DEMS use augmented the impact of planned care on performance outcomes but not on metabolic outcomes . Optimal identification of the best translation of evidence to diabetes practice will require longer follow-up or new care-delivery models BACKGROUND A prerequisite to translating research findings into practice is information on consistency of implementation , maintenance of results , and generalization of effects . This follow-up report is one of the few experimental studies to provide such information on Internet-based health education . METHODS We present follow-up data 10 months following r and omization on the " Diabetes Network ( D-Net ) " Internet-based self-management project , a r and omized trial evaluating the incremental effects of adding ( 1 ) tailored self-management training or ( 2 ) peer support components to a basic Internet-based , information-focused comparison intervention .  Participants were 320 adult type 2 diabetes patients from participating primary care offices , mean age 59 ( SD = 9.2 ) , who were relatively novice Internet users . RESULTS All intervention components were consistently implemented by staff , but participant website usage decreased over time . All conditions were significantly improved from baseline on behavioral , psychosocial , and some biological outcomes ; and there were few differences between conditions . Results were robust across on-line coaches , patient characteristics , and participating clinics . CONCLUSIONS The basic D-Net intervention was implemented well and improvements were observed across a variety of patients , interventionists , and clinics . There were , however , difficulties in maintaining usage over time and additions of tailored self-management and peer support components generally did not significantly improve results OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a specialist telemedicine intervention for improving diabetes care using the chronic care model ( CCM ) . PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS As part of the CCM , 97 primary care physicians at 6 primary care practice s in Rochester , MN , referred 639 patients to an on-site diabetes educator between July 1 , 2001 , and December 31 , 2003 . On first referral , physicians were central ly r and omized to receive a telemedicine intervention ( specialty advice and evidence -based messages regarding medication management for cardiovascular risk ) or no intervention , keeping outcome assessors and data analysts blinded to group assignment . After each subsequent clinical encounter , endocrinologists review ed an abstract from the patient 's electronic medical record and provided management recommendations and supporting evidence to intervention physicians via e-mail . Control physicians received e-mail with periodic generic information about cardiovascular risk reduction in diabetes . Outcome measures included diabetes care processes ( diabetes test completion ) , outcomes ( metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors , estimated coronary artery disease risk ) , and patient costs ( payer perspective ) . RESULTS During the intervention , 951 ( 70 % ) of the 1361 endocrinology review s detected performance gaps and result ed in a message ; primary care physicians reported using 49 % of messages in patient care . With a mean of 21 months ' follow-up , the intervention , compared with control , did not significantly enhance metabolic outcomes or reduce estimated risk of coronary artery disease ( adjusted mean difference , -1 % ; 95 % confidence interval , -19 % to 17 % ) . The intervention group incurred lower costs ( P=.02 ) but not in diabetes-related costs . CONCLUSION Specialty telemedicine did not significantly enhance the value of CCM in primary care BACKGROUND Long-term microvascular and neurologic complications cause major morbidity and mortality in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus ( IDDM ) . We examined whether intensive treatment with the goal of maintaining blood glucose concentrations close to the normal range could decrease the frequency and severity of these complications . METHODS A total of 1441 patients with IDDM--726 with no retinopathy at base line ( the primary -prevention cohort ) and 715 with mild retinopathy ( the secondary -intervention cohort ) were r and omly assigned to intensive therapy administered either with an external insulin pump or by three or more daily insulin injections and guided by frequent blood glucose monitoring or to conventional therapy with one or two daily insulin injections . The patients were followed for a mean of 6.5 years , and the appearance and progression of retinopathy and other complications were assessed regularly . RESULTS In the primary -prevention cohort , intensive therapy reduced the adjusted mean risk for the development of retinopathy by 76 percent ( 95 percent confidence interval , 62 to 85 percent ) , as compared with conventional therapy . In the secondary -intervention cohort , intensive therapy slowed the progression of retinopathy by 54 percent ( 95 percent confidence interval , 39 to 66 percent ) and reduced the development of proliferative or severe nonproliferative retinopathy by 47 percent ( 95 percent confidence interval , 14 to 67 percent ) . In the two cohorts combined , intensive therapy reduced the occurrence of microalbuminuria ( urinary albumin excretion of > or = 40 mg per 24 hours ) by 39 percent ( 95 percent confidence interval , 21 to 52 percent ) , that of albuminuria ( urinary albumin excretion of > or = 300 mg per 24 hours ) by 54 percent ( 95 percent confidence interval 19 to 74 percent ) , and that of clinical neuropathy by 60 percent ( 95 percent confidence interval , 38 to 74 percent ) . The chief adverse event associated with intensive therapy was a two-to-threefold increase in severe hypoglycemia . CONCLUSIONS Intensive therapy effectively delays the onset and slows the progression of diabetic retinopathy , nephropathy , and neuropathy in patients with IDDM Background : Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease with serious complications . Electronic decision support , providing information that is shared and discussed by both patient and physician , encourages timely interventions and may improve the management of this chronic disease . However , it has rarely been tested in community-based primary care . Methods : In this pragmatic r and omized trial , we r and omly assigned adult primary care patients with type 2 diabetes to receive the intervention or usual care .  The intervention involved shared access by the primary care provider and the patient to a Web-based , colour-coded diabetes tracker , which provided sequential monitoring values for 13 diabetes risk factors , their respective targets and brief , prioritized messages of advice . The primary outcome measure was a process composite score . Secondary outcomes included clinical composite scores , quality of life , continuity of care and usability . The outcome assessors were blinded to each patient ’s intervention status . Results : We recruited sequentially 46 primary care providers and then 511 of their patients ( mean age 60.7 [ st and ard deviation 12.5 ] years ) . Mean follow-up was 5.9 months . The process composite score was significantly better for patients in the intervention group than for control patients ( difference 1.27 , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] 0.79–1.75 , p < 0.001 ) ; 61.7 % ( 156/253 ) of patients in the intervention group , compared with 42.6 % ( 110/258 ) of control patients , showed improvement ( difference 19.1 % , p < 0.001 ) . The clinical composite score also had significantly more variables with improvement for the intervention group ( 0.59 , 95 % CI 0.09–1.10 , p = 0.02 ) , including significantly greater declines in blood pressure ( −3.95 mm Hg systolic and −2.38 mm Hg diastolic ) and glycated hemoglobin ( −0.2 % ) . Patients in the intervention group reported greater satisfaction with their diabetes care . Interpretation : A shared electronic decision-support system to support the primary care of diabetes improved the process of care and some clinical markers of the quality of diabetes care . ( Clinical Trials.gov trial register no. NCT00813085 . BACKGROUND The emergence of the World Wide Web in the last decade has made it feasible for the Internet to be a vehicle for chronic disease management . METHODS A r and omized controlled trial ( n = 62 ) testing the effects of a 6-month web-based intervention plus usual care , compared with usual care alone , among adults 60 years of age and older with diabetes . The outcomes were hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) , blood pressure , weight , cholesterol , and high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) levels . RESULTS A multivariate analysis of covariance controlling for all baseline outcome variables , age , gender , and number of years with diabetes showed significant ( P = 0.001 ) reductions in HbA1c , weight , and cholesterol level and significant improvement in HDL levels in the intervention versus the control group . CONCLUSIONS Findings show a web-based intervention was effective in improving HbA1c , weight , cholesterol , and HDL levels at a 6-month follow-up . Future research is needed to investigate the long-term effectiveness of web-based interventions BACKGROUND Disease registries , audit and feedback , and clinical reminders have been reported to improve care processes . OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of a registry-generated audit , feedback , and patient reminder intervention on diabetes care . DESIGN R and omized controlled trial conducted in a resident continuity clinic during the 2003–2004 academic year . PARTICIPANTS Seventy-eight categorical Internal Medicine residents caring for 483 diabetic patients participated . Residents r and omized to the intervention ( n = 39 ) received instruction on diabetes registry use ; quarterly performance audit , feedback , and written reports identifying patients needing care ; and had letters sent quarterly to patients needing hemoglobin A1c or cholesterol testing . Residents r and omized to the control group ( n = 39 ) received usual clinic education .  MEASUREMENTS Hemoglobin A1c and lipid monitoring , and the achievement of intermediate clinical outcomes ( hemoglobin A1c < 7.0 % , LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dL , and blood pressure < 130/85 mmHg ) were assessed . RESULTS Patients cared for by residents in the intervention group had higher adherence to guideline recommendations for hemoglobin A1c testing ( 61.5 % vs 48.1 % , p = .01 ) and LDL testing ( 75.8 % vs 64.1 % , p = .02 ) . Intermediate clinical outcomes were not different between groups . CONCLUSIONS Use of a registry-generated audit , feedback , and patient reminder intervention in a resident continuity clinic modestly improved diabetes care processes , but did not influence intermediate clinical outcomes Abstract Objective : To determine the relation between exposure to glycaemia over time and the risk of macrovascular or microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes . Design : Prospect i ve observational study . Setting : 23 hospital based clinics in Engl and , Scotl and , and Northern Irel and . Participants : 4585 white , Asian Indian , and Afro-Caribbean UKPDS patients , whether r and omised or not to treatment , were included in analyses of incidence ; of these , 3642 were included in analyses of relative risk . Outcome measures : Primary predefined aggregate clinical outcomes : any end point or deaths related to diabetes and all cause mortality . Secondary aggregate outcomes : myocardial infa rct ion , stroke , amputation ( including death from peripheral vascular disease ) , and microvascular disease ( predominantly retinal photo-coagulation ) . Single end points : non-fatal heart failure and cataract extraction . Risk reduction associated with a 1 % reduction in up date d mean HbA1c adjusted for possible confounders at diagnosis of diabetes . Results : The incidence of clinical complications was significantly associated with glycaemia . Each 1 % reduction in up date d mean HbA1c was associated with reductions in risk of 21 % for any end point related to diabetes ( 95 % confidence interval 17 % to 24 % , P<0.0001 ) , 21 % for deaths related to diabetes ( 15 % to 27 % , P<0.0001 ) , 14 % for myocardial infa rct ion ( 8 % to 21 % , P<0.0001 ) , and 37 % for microvascular complications ( 33 % to 41 % , P<0.0001 ) . No threshold of risk was observed for any end point . Conclusions : In patients with type 2 diabetes the risk of diabetic complications was strongly associated with previous hyperglycaemia . Any reduction in HbA1c is likely to reduce the risk of complications , with the lowest risk being in those with HbA1c values in the normal range ( < 6.0 % ) BACKGROUND Web-based personal health records ( PHRs ) have been advocated as a means to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus ( DM ) care . However , few Web-based systems are linked directly to the electronic medical record ( EMR ) used by physicians . METHODS We r and omized 11 primary care practice s. Intervention practice s received access to a DM-specific PHR that imported clinical and medications data , provided patient-tailored decision support , and enabled the patient to author a " Diabetes Care Plan " for electronic su bmi ssion to their physician prior to upcoming appointments . Active control practice s received a PHR to up date and su bmi t family history and health maintenance information . All patients attending these practice s were encouraged to sign up for online access . RESULTS We enrolled 244 patients with DM ( 37 % of the eligible population with registered online access , 4 % of the overall population of patients with DM ) . Study participants were younger ( mean age , 56.1 years vs 60.3 years ; P < .001 ) and lived in higher-income neighborhoods ( median income , $ 53,784 vs $ 49,713 ; P < .001 ) but had similar baseline glycemic control compared with non participants . More patients in the intervention arm had their DM treatment regimens adjusted ( 53 % vs 15 % ; P < .001 ) compared with active controls . However , there were no significant differences in risk factor control between study arms after 1 year ( P = .53 ) . CONCLUSIONS Previsit use of online PHR linked to the EMR increased rates of DM-related medication adjustment . Low rates of online patient account registration and good baseline control among participants limited the intervention 's impact on overall risk factor control . TRIAL REGISTRATION clinical trials.gov Identifier : NCT00251875 OBJECTIVE The public is increasingly aware of the importance of HbA(1c ) testing , yet the vast majority of patients with diabetes do not know their HbA(1c ) status or goal . We set forth to evaluate the impact of a system that provides uniquely formatted and personalized reports of diabetes status and goals on changes in HbA(1c ) levels . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 150 patients with diabetes were r and omized to receive either st and ard care or intervention  inclusive of a computer-generated 11 " x 17 " color poster depicting an individual 's HbA(1c ) status and goals along with personalized steps to aid in goal achievement . All patients enrolled received diabetes education during the 3 months before enrollment .  HbA(1c )  was performed at baseline and 6 months . RESULTS At baseline , there were no significant differences between patient groups in terms of age , sex , education level , race , and HbA(1c ) or lipid levels . Among patients with baseline HbA(1c ) > or = 7.0 % , there was an 8.6 % ( 0.77 % absolute ) reduction in HbA(1c ) among control subjects compared with a 17.0 % ( 1.69 % absolute ) decline in the intervention group ( P = 0.032 ) . There were no differences between the control and intervention groups with respect to the frequency of patients experiencing any decline in HbA(1c ) ( 63 vs. 69 % , P = 0.87 ) ; among these patients experiencing a decline , the most substantial reductions were seen with the control group , which had a 13.3 % ( 1.15 % absolute ) decline compared with the intervention patients , who reduced their HbA(1c ) by 24.2 % ( 2.26 % absolute reduction ; P = 0.0048 ) . At study close , 77 % of the patients had their poster displayed on their refrigerator . CONCLUSIONS This unique and personalized computer-generated intervention result ed in HbA(1c ) lowering comparable to that of hypoglycemic agents PURPOSE We sought to evaluate the effect of automated telephone assessment and self-care education calls with nurse follow-up on the management of diabetes . SUBJECTS AND METHODS We enrolled 280 English- or Spanish-speaking adults with diabetes who were using hypoglycemic medications and who were treated in a county health care system . Patients were r and omly assigned to usual care or to receive an intervention that consisted of usual care plus bi-weekly automated assessment and self-care education calls with telephone follow-up by a nurse educator . Outcomes measured at 12 months included survey-reported self-care , perceived glycemic control , and symptoms , as well as glycosylated hemoglobin ( Hb A1c ) and serum glucose levels . RESULTS We collected follow-up data for 89 % of enrollees ( 248 patients ) . Compared with usual care patients , intervention patients reported more frequent glucose monitoring , foot inspection , and weight monitoring , and fewer problems with medication adherence ( all P -0.03 ) . Follow-up Hb A , , levels were 0.3 % lower in the intervention group ( P = 0.1 ) , and about twice as many intervention patients had Hb A1c levels within the normal range ( P = 0.04 ) . Serum glucose levels were 41 mg/dL lower among intervention patients than usual care patients ( P = 0.002 ) . Intervention patients also reported better glycemic control ( P = 0.005 ) and fewer diabetic symptoms ( P < 0.0001 ) , including fewer symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia . CONCLUSIONS Automated calls with telephone nurse follow-up may be an effective strategy for improving self-care behavior and glycemic control , and for decreasing symptoms among vulnerable patients with diabetes RATIONALE , AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Utilizing information technology , such as Internet and cellphones , holds great promise in enhancing diabetic care . Yet few studies have examined the impact of cellphone technology on type 2 diabetics ' self-care . The primary aim of the study is to examine the feasibility of utilizing this technology to assist with diabetes self-care in a clinic population as well as its impact on clinical outcomes . METHODS Thirty patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes at two Community Health Centers were r and omized to intervention or control . Intervention patients participated in a brief intervention and received tailored daily messages via cellphone prompting them to enhance their diabetic self-care behaviour .  Patients at the control site continued with their st and ard diabetes self-management .  RESULTS A mean improvement in HbA1c levels was apparent ( -0.1 , SD = 0.3 % ; P = 0.1534 ) in the intervention group , compared with a mean deterioration in the control ( 0.3 , SD = 1.0 % ; P = 0.3813 ) , yet without statistical significance . Self-efficacy scores improved significantly in the intervention group ( -0.5 , SD = 0.6 ; P = 0.0080 ) compared with no improvement in the control ( 0.0 , SD = 1.0 ; P = 0.9060 ) . Participants encountered numerous technological barriers when attempting to adhere to the intervention protocol . CONCLUSION The results indicate the intervention had a positive impact on some clinical outcome and self-efficacy . Although the technology appears feasible in a clinical setting technology must be made more user-friendly before a larger phase II trial is conducted Effective control of diabetes is known to delay or prevent the end-organ complications of this disease . Can telemedicine improve a patient 's ability to self-manage diabetes  ? Twenty-eight patients entered a study comparing home telemedicine consultation with st and ard outpatient care . A nurse case manager contacted the telemedicine group once a week under the direction of a primary care physician , who contacted the telemedicine group once a month . Laboratory studies and total body weight were measured at the beginning and at the end of the 3-month study . The hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) and total body weight improved significantly in the intervention ( telemedicine ) group , as shown by a 16 % reduction in mean HbA1c level ( from 9.5 to 8.2 % ) and a 4 % mean weight reduction ( from 214.3 to 206.7 pounds ) . Based on our experience , we present a functionally based telemedicine classification system to improve the application of electronic medicine in future studies OBJECTIVE To examine across seven countries the relationship between physician office information system capacity and the quality of care . DESIGN Multivariate analysis of a  cross-sectional 2006 r and om survey of primary care physicians in seven countries : Australia , Canada , Germany , the Netherl and s , New Zeal and , United Kingdom , and United States . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES coordination and safety of care , care for chronically ill patients , and satisfaction with practice of medicine . RESULTS The study finds significant disparities in the quality of health care between practice s with low information system capacity and those with high technical capacity after controlling for within country differences and practice size . There were significant physician satisfaction differences with the overall experience of practicing medicine by information system level . CONCLUSIONS For policy leaders , the seven-nation survey suggests that health systems that promote information system infrastructure are better able to address coordination and safety issues , particularly for patients with multiple chronic conditions , as well as to maintain primary care physician workforce satisfaction PURPOSE We wanted to assess the impact of an electronic health record – based diabetes clinical decision support system on control of hemoglobin A1c ( glycated hemoglobin ) , blood pressure , and low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol levels in adults with diabetes . METHODS We conducted a clinic-r and omized trial conducted from October 2006 to May 2007 in Minnesota . Included were 11 clinics with 41 consenting primary care physicians and the physicians ’ 2,556 patients with diabetes . Patients were r and omized either to receive or not to receive an electronic health record (EHR)–based clinical decision support system design ed to improve care for those patients whose hemoglobin A1c , blood pressure , or LDL cholesterol levels were higher than goal at any office visit . Analysis used general and generalized linear mixed models with repeated time measurements to accommo date the nested data structure . RESULTS The intervention group physicians used the EHR-based decision support system at 62.6 % of all office visits made by adults with diabetes . The intervention group diabetes patients had significantly better hemoglobin A1c ( intervention effect −0.26 % ; 95 % confidence interval , −0.06 % to −0.47 % ; P=.01 ) , and better maintenance of systolic blood pressure control ( 80.2 % vs 75.1 % , P=.03 ) and borderline better maintenance of diastolic blood pressure control ( 85.6 % vs 81.7 % , P = .07 ) , but not improved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( P = .62 ) than patients of physicians r and omized to the control arm of the study . Among intervention group physicians , 94 % were satisfied or very satisfied with the intervention , and moderate use of the support system persisted for more than 1 year after feedback and incentives to encourage its use were discontinued . CONCLUSIONS EHR-based diabetes clinical decision support  significantly improved glucose control and some aspects of blood pressure control in adults with type 2 diabetes
target: In addition , the more CCM-incorporated the information technology-based interventions were , the more improvements there were in HbA1c levels .
  CONCLUSIONS Information technology strategies combined with the other elements of chronic care models are associated with improved glycemic control in people with diabetes .
  No clinical ly relevant impact was observed on low-density lipoprotein levels and blood pressure , but there was evidence that the cost of care was lower
background: BACKGROUND Information technology-based interventions are increasingly being used to manage health care .
  However , there is conflicting evidence regarding whether these interventions improve outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes .
  OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of clinical trials , assessing the impact of information technology on changes in the levels of hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) and mapping the interventions with chronic care model ( CCM ) elements .