Impact of a mini-clinic on diabetic care at a Primary Health Care Center in southern Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a mini-clinic on the quality of diabetic care at a Primary Health Care Center in Aseer region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: All the files of diabetics in Wasat Abha Primary Health Care Center were reviewed at the end of 1997 for diabetic process based on a scoring system of 11 items. Diabetic outcomes were evaluated in accordance with Quality Assurance Protocol. Data of all the files was entered into and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Relevant statistical tests were used.

RESULTS: Files of 198 patients were evaluated, 61.6% were male, 90.4% were married, and 50% were educated. The mean duration of diabetes was 7.1 years. All the 11 items of diabetic process improved significantly except for measuring blood pressure, weight and cholesterol. However, the mean of the total score increased significantly from 5.7 points to 8.2 points (P=0.00). The measured diabetic outcomes improved significantly for the provision of diabetic card, health education pamphlets, diabetic control and obesity. Ten percent of the diabetics were found to have at least one complication. Diabetic retinopathy (8.4%), impotence (8.2%), and cardiovascular (3.6) were the most prevalent recorded complications.

CONCLUSION: Establishment of diabetic mini-clinic at Wasat Abha Primary Health Care Center improved the process and the outcomes of diabetic care. Further large and countrywide studies are suggested to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of such types of clinics on diabetic care.