Health system challenge diabetes mellitus type 2- data collection as a factor in the quality of care

THE CHALLENGE
Between 2000-2016 ist was found that diabetes-related mortality increased by 70% during this period. The research showed that the basic prerequisite for the quality of care is an exact and evicence-based data in form of a diabetes register.

The aim of the project was to improve care options for diabetics together with the partner organisation Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (Austrian Health Insurance Fund). For this purpose, knowledge about the care of diabetics from other countries was collected and explicit research into existing care concepts was carried out.

The research showed that the basic prerequisite for the quality of care is an exact and evidence-based data situation in the form of a diabetes register. The approximately 650,000 type 2 diabetics are based on estimated projections. Thus, Austria has a high unregistered number of unreported cases.

OUTCOMES
If enough patient data is recorded, needs-based care is possible and resources can be planned accordingly. One of the greatest national challenges is the collection of the data, the main problems here are: the additional work for health workers, the fear of data misuse and the linking of various health data. A study in one district made it possible to counteract the additional effort with so called “study nurses”. The fear was lifted through informative discussions with patients and doctors. The data was collected in the register in a pseudonymised form, which due to the different IT systems made it impossible to link with other institutions. ELGA should provide the solution.