Missed Appointment and Clinical Indicators of Diabetes Mellitus Care among the Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Samleam Primary Care Unit, Srinagarind Hospital

Abstract

Background and objective: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that requires ongoing treatment to prevent its serious complications. The patient who missed the appointment on a regular basis often leas to intermittent treatment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of missed appointment and  relationship between missing appointment and clinical indicators of diabetes mellitus care among the diabetic patients in Samleam Primary Care Unit, Srinagarind Hospital

Study Design: This descriptive study was done among patients with diabetes mellitus  in Samleam Primary Care Unit, Srinagarind Hospital during September 1^st , 2011-August 31 ^th, 2012. Total population of 139 were used. Patients’ data and personal habit were reviewed from medical records. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, median, interquartile range and the analytical statistics included Chi-square test, Odd ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence interval.

Results: Of the total 139 patients, 8.6% of the subjects did not miss any appointment , 38.1% missed 1-30%, 53.2% missed more than 30%. Frequently missed appointments were significantly associated with increased HbA1C, increased DTX and increased LDL-Cholesterol more than target control. (p-value < 0.05)

Conclusion: The majority of diabetes patients in Samleam Primary Care Unit, Srinagarind Hospital were frequently missed the appointments