Article Figures & Data
Figures
- Figure 1.
Observed HBA1c improvement with time in EMR and non-EMR clinics, Minnesota, 1996–2000.
Note: Differences in mean HbA1c levels between clinics were not significant at any time (P >.05 for all comparisons).
HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; EMR = electronic medical record.
Tables
Patient Characteristic EMR Clinic n = 57 Comparison Clinic n = 65 P Value EMR = electronic medical record. * Charlson Comorbidity Score. See text for definition and measurement. Age, mean (SE) years 60.6 (1.62) 59.4 (1.72) .34 Male, % 54.4 58.5 .65 Charlson* <2, % 73.7 75.4 .97 Charlson = 2, % 15.8 15.4 Charlson >2, % 10.5 9.2 - Table 2.
Adjusted Number of HbA1c and LDL Tests Performed on Patients in the EMR and Comparison Clinics in a 12-Month Period
Test EMR n = 57 Comparison n = 65 Time by EMR P Value HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; LDL = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; EMR = electronic medical record. HbA1c tests, No. 1996 1.67 1.75 1998 2.20 1.83 .04 2000 2.46 1.63 .001 LDL tests, No. 1996 .54 .49 1998 .87 .59 .33 2000 1.45 .92 .19 - Table 3.
Percentage of Patients Having at Least 2 HbA1c Tests, 1 LDL Test, or 2 HbA1c and 1 LDL Tests per Year in the EMR and Comparison Clinics
Test EMR n = 57 Comparison n = 65 Time by EMR P Value HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; LDL = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; EMR = electronic medical record. ≥ 2 HbA1c tests 1996 47.4 55.4 1998 73.7 63.1 .09 2000 78.9 53.9 .002 ≥ 1 LDL test 1996 42.1 46.2 1998 68.4 55.4 .12 2000 84.2 72.3 .12 ≥ 2 HbA1c and 1 LDL test 1996 29.8 30.8 1998 57.9 46.2 .27 2000 70.2 46.2 .03 - Table 4.
Predicted Least Squares Mean HbA1c Test Values in Clinics With Time, Adjusted for Patient Age, Sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Score
Year EMR n = 46 Comparison n = 50 Time by EMR P Value HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; EMR = electronic medical record. 1996 HbA1c value 7.80 7.35 1998 HbA1c value 7.90 7.26 .10 2000 HbA1c value 7.71 7.11 .27
The Article in Brief
Background: It is widely believed that electronic medical records (EMRs) can help manage medical information and improve care of diseases, such as diabetes. EMRs can identify patients with diabetes, determine whether they are due for tests or procedures, and identify whether they have high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and other related conditions. This study looked at whether use of an EMR improved the quality of care of patients with diabetes.
What This Study Found: The use of EMRs improved the process of caring for patients with diabetes, but it did not lead to better health results for diabetes patients. Patients in a clinic using EMRs received more tests for long-term blood sugar control and bad cholesterol levels than patients in a clinic that did not use EMRs. However, diabetes patients in the EMR clinic did not have better control of their blood sugars compared with other patients.
Implications:
� EMRs need more capabilities to help doctors make decisions about diabetes care and to help educate and activate patients.
� At this time, other methods, which are less expensive and less disruptive, may be as effective as EMRs in improving the care of patients with chronic diseases.
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