The Audit Commission carried out a study of diabetes services, focusing mainly on a small sample of hospitals in England and Wales, but also including surveys of health authorities, general practices and a large study of patients. The results showed variable levels of care, with many services struggling to cope with present demand. They will be under greater pressure as patient numbers rise.
This report suggests how diabetes teams can re-focus their efforts to support staff in primary care and the community so that more routine care can be provided outside hospital settings. As part of this study, auditors will work with hospitals in England and Wales over the coming year to review current services and improve patient care. Evidence from the audit and this report will help to inform the National Service Framework on diabetes, which will be published in spring 2001. This should raise the profile of diabetes care and set standards for services across the country.
Included in this report:
- understanding diabetes
- planning services
- delivering effective care
- meeting the challenges of the 21st century