Abstract
Background: A common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) is diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Local Problem: An audit in a primary care office found that fewer than 50% of patients with DM received an annual ocular examination. The aim of this project was to increase timely annual ocular examinations among patients with type 2 DM to 85% within 90 days.
Methods: The model for improvement with 4 Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles was implemented in a rapid cycle format as well as changes in an electronic medical record (EMR) checklist and referral processes.
Interventions: Interventions included team huddles and trainings, the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists checklist with additional information about DR, an EMR checklist, and a logbook referral tracking process changes.
Results: Of the patients referred during the project, 87% completed the ocular appointment, and the rate for patients with DM having annual ocular examinations increased from 48% to 86% meeting the current guideline of the American Diabetes Association.
Conclusions: Timely annual ocular examinations increased to 86% in 90 days, thus improving current DM treatment guidelines in primary care.