The current state of general practicediabetes care in the West of Ireland

This study aimed to assess the care provided to patients with diabetes in general practices in the West of Ireland. A postal questionnaire was sent to all 103 general practices in County Galway. The questionnaire assessed diabetes prevalence and maintenance of a diabetes register, use of guidelines for the care of diabetes, appointments systems and the provision of specialised diabetes clinics in general practice, referrals to the hospital specialist team, and opportunities for developing diabetes care.

The response rate was 76%. Mean estimated prevalence of diabetes was 2.7% (range 0.1–9.5%). A diabetes register was maintained by 33% of practices. Diabetes care guidelines were used by 56%. Thirty‐five percent of practices had GP(s) and 33% had practice nurse(s) with a special interest in diabetes. Only 12% had a formal call/recall system with 41% having doctor or nurse initiated diabetes appointments. One in 10 practices reported running specific diabetes clinics.

There is considerable scope for development of primary care diabetes services in the West of Ireland. Priority areas include the development and maintenance of diabetes registers, workforce enhancement through staff training in diabetes care and the adoption of best practice guidelines. All of this will require additional resources and incentives for GPs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons.