Background and Significance: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a condition that can be self-managed but requires frequent follow-up with a healthcare provider. Follow-ups give patients adequate time to interact with their healthcare providers and receive the education necessary to improve their health outcomes. However, when T2D patients fail to show up for appointments, it is challenging to recognize health issues and medication self-administration errors. This prevents healthcare providers from tracking patient progress and may ultimately lead to poorer health outcomes.
Project Goals and Objectives: This quality improvement (QI) project aims to improve attendance at follow-up appointments by increasing accessibility to after-hour follow-up services.
Methods: This QI project involves implementation of extended after-hours services in a mobile unit serving a disadvantaged community. Patients with T2D will be invited schedule their regular comprehensive follow-up visits during the extended after -hours services.
Potential Impact of the Project: The successful implementation of the project will help improve the quality of life of T2D patients and help them manage the disease better.
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Introduction: The management of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) requires frequent follow-up with a healthcare provider to improve health outcomes. However, it can be challenging to track patient progress when they fail to show up for appointments. This QI project aims to improve attendance at follow-up appointments by increasing accessibility to after-hour follow-up services.
Question: What are the project goals and objectives of this QI project?
Answer: The project goals and objectives of this QI project are to improve attendance at follow-up appointments for T2D patients and to increase accessibility to after-hour follow-up services. The project aims to achieve this by implementing extended after-hours services in a mobile unit serving a disadvantaged community, inviting patients with T2D to schedule their regular comprehensive follow-up visits during the extended after-hours services. The successful implementation of the project is expected to help improve the quality of life of T2D patients by helping them better manage the disease.
Question: What method is being used in this QI project?
Answer: This QI project involves implementation of extended after-hours services in a mobile unit serving a disadvantaged community. Patients with T2D will be invited to schedule their regular comprehensive follow-up visits during the extended after-hours services. By offering after-hour services, patients may find it easier to schedule appointments and attend follow-up visits. This method seeks to address issues with missed appointments by increasing accessibility to healthcare services.
Question: What is the potential impact of the QI project?
Answer: The successful implementation of the QI project will help improve the quality of life of T2D patients and help them manage the disease better. By improving attendance at follow-up appointments, healthcare providers can track patient progress and recognize health issues and medication self-administration errors in a timely manner. This can ultimately lead to better health outcomes for patients with T2D. Additionally, offering after-hour services may also enhance patient satisfaction with healthcare services and increase patient engagement in their own healthcare.