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Measuring outcomes

The work of The Pharmaceutical Alliance is focused on maximising every interaction GPs have with their type 2 diabetes patients to achieve greater control of this complex chronic disease and reduce associated health complications, and ultimately maintain or improve the patient’s quality of life.

Previous research shows Electronic Decision Support Systems contribute to improved quality and safety of healthcare and better patient outcomes.¹ DAVE™ will be one of the first healthcare software systems for the management of a chronic disease to be independently evaluated, on both a qualitative and quantitative level.

Independent evaluation by UNSW

A national pilot study is currently underway among GPs and practice nurses in NSW, VIC and WA. This evaluation will be conducted by the University of NSW via a detailed assessment to measure the tool’s value to GPs, practice nurses and patients, as well as its potential to support the implementation of clinical guidelines.

The first high level qualitative results are expected later in 2009, with further outcomes to follow and a 12 month quantitative data analysis on the key areas of diabetic management based on the current guidelines and annual cycle of care. The demonstration pilot with DAVE™ is anticipated to run for at least 12 months.

The Alliance is committed to publishing the full set of results once available, to add to the knowledge on strategies and tools to support good clinical care and improved patient outcomes.

UNSW research contacts

Professor Nicholas Zwar
Professor of General Practice
School of Public Health and Community Medicine
University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW 2052
Phone: 02 9385 2515
Fax: 02 9313 6185
Email: n.zwar@unsw.edu.au

Dr Qing Wan
Research Fellow
Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity
University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW 2052
Phone: 02 9385 1503
Fax: 02 9385 1513
Email: q.wan@unsw.edu.au

References

AIHW General practice activity in Australia 2007-08 (BEACH program – 10th year)


	“The potential for this type of tool to reform the way diabetes is managed is considerable as it’s relatively easy during a short consultation for both the patient and doctor to overlook essential aspects of diabetes care.” Professor Stephen Colagiuri, Professor of Metabolic Health at the University of Sydney


	“Clearly, having tools that allow a better understanding from the patient about their illness and GPs to measure progress will improve the significant number of patients at risk of complications. This tool connects patients and GPs through the desktop in the consultation itself. The patient then becomes part of the team addressing their illness.” Dr Gary Deed, a GP from Brisbane and past President of Diabetes Australia


	“I believe this tool will be of enormous assistance in ensuring diabetes patients receive optimal care, making it much easier to manage these patients. It will also give patients confidence that their condition is managed efficiently and comprehensively.” Dr Michael Moore, a GP and CEO of Central Sydney GP Network


	“The tool gives you discipline in the pursuit of targets and adds professional rigour to what we do. I believe that over a three year period we will see evidence of the benefit it will bring to our patients in terms of improved outcomes.” Dr Wes Jame, a GP from Berwick in Victoria

The Pharmaceutical Alliance seeks views and guidance from a broad range of healthcare professionals. Where appropriate for these consultations, the Alliance provides remuneration specifically to cover their time away from day-to-day responsibilities. The Pharmaceutical Alliance has not provided any payment for comments expressed by people regarding the Alliance or its work. All views represent the opinions of the individual author and are independent of The Pharmaceutical Alliance.