Outpatient Therapeutic Recommendations by Diabetes Educators in a Rural Vermont Hospital

Abstract

Because of the rapid increase in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes that is occurring in southwestern Vermont (which correlates with the national increase), a “therapeutic guidelines” worksheet was developed to assist primary care providers with the management of Type 2 diabetes patients. Hospital-based diabetes nurse educators access cholesterol and AIC information from the hospital laboratory, assess the patient, and then make recommendations to the primary care provider. The worksheet is designed to be easily used by both the educator and the primary care provider. Feedback has been positive, as the worksheet serves to enhance providers’ ability to treat patients and to achieve recommended treatment goals.