Nurse Clinic Model Proven Cost Effective and Efficacious Method for Improving Diabetes Care

To further develop an already existing Nurse Clinic model at Kaiser Permanente Riverside, researchers in this study developed an internal specialized diabetes training program using the American Association of Diabetes Educators and American Diabetes Association guidelines to improve effectiveness. Ten, 3-hour training sessions were delivered to registered nurses over the course of 10 months in 5 clinics. Nurses engaged in face-to-face visits with patients as well as phone follow-ups for up to 8 weeks or until the patient had achieved glycemic goal. Some of the barriers and topics that nurses faced were medication adherence strategies, self-management skills, and lipid and hypertension management.

Not only were the glycemic control rate outcomes improved across all 5 clinics from 5% to 11%, but the impact that the refined Nurse Clinic model had on financial outcomes was improved as well. Researchers noted that the usual cost per patient is estimated to be $202/physician visit, whereas the nurse visit equated to approximately $30 per face-to-face visit and $20 per follow-up phone call. Additionally, the authors of the study noted that a department survey showed a 92% provider satisfaction with the training provided, and that “the specialized diabetes training program further enhanced the value of clinical outcomes in a patient-centered medical home."

To read more about this study, please visit the American Diabetes Association’s website.