Survey of Physician Practice Behaviors Related to Diabetes Mellitus in the U.S.: Physician adherence to consensus recommendations
- Susan J Kenny, PHD,
- Philip J Smith, PHD,
- Merilyn G Goldschmid, MD,
- Jeffrey M Newman, MD and
- William H Herman, MD
- Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, Georgia
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Susan J. Kenny, PhD, Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, and Health Promotion, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS K-10, Atlanta, GA 30341–3724.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the frequency of physician adherence to consensus recommendations for prevention of diabetic complications.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Survey data from a nationwide stratified probability sample of primary-care physicians were analyzed. Adherence to recommendations were reported by physician specialty, age-group, and type of diabetes treated.
RESULTS Adherence was high for eye exams, blood pressure measurements, neurological and circulatory exams, and laboratory procedures using blood. Adherence was low for examination of the teeth and gums, examination of the feet, and laboratory procedures involving the collection of urine. Internists generally had the highest adherence rates and pediatricians the lowest. Reported adherence decreased with physician age. Adherence was higher for the management of individuals with IDDM than for those with NIDDM.
CONCLUSIONS Recommendations for the care of diabetic individuals need to be more widely implemented. Recommendations targeted specifically to pediatricians may be necessary.
- Received January 25, 1993.
- Revision received July 1, 1993.
- Accepted July 1, 1993.
- Copyright © 1993 by the American Diabetes Association
