Assessment of diabetes mellitus care at a Teaching Health Center in the interior of São Paulo

Author(s)

Fabiana Costa Machado Zacharias

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2013-08-29

Examining board members

Ione Carvalho Pinto; Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio; Alexandre Favero Bulgarelli

• Advisor: Ione Carvalho Pinto

Abstract

This evaluation study was based on the classical reference framework of structure, process and outcome assessment. The design was quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional and involved the systemization and analysis of qualitative data. The objective was to assess health care delivery to diabetes mellitus patients at a Teaching Health Center in Ribeirão Preto/SP. The sample consisted of 150 subjects. Data were collected between August and October 2012, using patient files and the direct observation technique. In the qualitative phase, 20 sample subjects participated in semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used, in view of Donabedian\'s Health Care Assessment. In the analysis of the interviews, Thematic Content Analysis was used. The results showed that most users were female, in the age range from 50 to 59 years; 56.6 % were being monitored by a specialist physician. 70.7% of the patients suffered from two or more comorbidities and 32.7% combined oral anti-diabetic medicines and insulin. The physical structure complies with the recommendations of the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency and the minimal team established by the Ministry of Health for care delivery to diabetes mellitus patients. The material resources, medicines and inputs attend to the users\' needs. In the process, the records predominantly come from medical professionals, with 3.3% nurses. In technical records, body weight was the only parameter identified in all patient files, followed by 85.3% blood pressure and 40% height. In 31.3% of the files, the calculation of the body mass index was registered and, in 2.6%, the abdominal circumference measure. The glucose profile was more frequently registered, followed by the lipid profile. As regards the educative strategies for self-care, no detailed records were found in the files, while physical activity records predominantly related to the prescription of walking. During the nursing consultations, orientations about insulin use were predominant and, during care by auxiliary nurses and nursing technicians, the verification of the patient\'s weight predominated during the pre-consultation and orientations regarding prescriptions and scheduling of return appointments during the post-consultation. In the outcome component, only the requirement related to LDL cholesterol < 100mg/dl was complied with. A statistically significant association of more than 7% was found between age and glycated hemoglobin (p= 0.004). In the assessment of users\' satisfaction, two thematic categories were elaborated 1: Organizational accessibility: the user\'s perception and 2: Care delivery to DM patients: a longitudinal focus. The majority reported dissatisfaction with regard to the scheduling of return appointments. Concerning the internal professional care flow and waiting times at the service to get a consult or take tests, dissatisfaction was mentioned. In terms of monitoring, the user identifies the specialty outpatient clinic as a regular source of care. The fact that the professionals delivering care differ between appointments revealed to be a weak point for therapeutic bonding. This study is considered as a possible assessment instrument in care delivery to diabetic patients and in decision making with a view to the restructuring of the Center, considering the weak points identified. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/04646-7 - Evaluation of Diabetes mellitus care service in a Teaching Health Center in São Paulo
• Grantee: Fabiana Costa Machado Zacharias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master