Objective: To compare the effects of two different educational interventions directed towards primary care physicians to improve the management of their diabetic patients.
Methods: Approximately five hundred physician profiles were mailed to two groups of physicians. Individual profiles contained a HbA1c testing rate, peer group comparisons, and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations on HbA1c testing. Accompanying each profile was a survey that asked questions about how helpful physicians found the information contained in the profiles. While physicians in the first group (N=275) received only the profiles, physicians in the second group (N=218) also received a physician-directed educational intervention in which physicians with high rates of HbA1c testing were asked to share their experience.
Results: Initial results suggest that the enhanced educational intervention was more successful in promoting positive change than the information only approach. Findings indicate that physicians who had the opportunity to speak with peers were more likely than physicians in the information only group to report they planned to use the information contained in the profile to treat their diabetic patients.
Conclusions: Results suggest that educational interventions intended to change physician behavior are more successful if they go beyond simply providing information on practice patterns, and include educational forums where physicians can share their experiences in successfully managing patient care. Collaborative educational relationships among physicians, health plans and other medical organizations have the potential to improve the overall quality of care provided to diabetic patients.
Learning Objectives: Describe the effects of a physician-directed intervention in improving diabetes care management
Keywords: Diabetes, Physicians
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.