%0 Journal Article
%T The CDM-Net Project: The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Broadband-Based Network for Managing Chronic Disease
%A Kay Jones
%A Trisha Dunning
%A Beth Costa
%A Kristine Fitzgerald
%A Akuh Adaji
%A Colin Chapman
%A Leon Piterman
%A Moira Paterson
%A Peter Schattner
%A John Catford
%J International Journal of Family Medicine
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/453450
%X Background. In Australia most chronic disease management is funded by Medicare Australia through General Practitioner Management Plans (GPMPs) and Team Care Arrangements (TCAs). Identified barriers may be reduced effectively using a broadband-based network known as the Chronic Disease Management Service (CDMS). Aims. To measure the uptake and adherence to CDMS, test CDMS, and assess the adherence of health providers and patients to GPMPs and TCAs generated through CDMS. Methods. A single cohort before and after study. Results. GPMPs and TCAs increased. There was no change to prescribed medicines or psychological quality of life. Attendance at allied health professionals increased, but decreased at pharmacies. Overall satisfaction with CDMS was high among GPs, allied health professionals, and patients. Conclusion. This study demonstrates proof of concept, but replication or continuation of the study is desirable to enable the impact of CDMS on diabetes outcomes to be determined. 1. Introduction The Chronic Disease Management Network (CDM-Net) project developed, implemented, and evaluated a broadband-based network of health services known as the Chronic Disease Management Service (CDMS) for managing chronic disease, using type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as the test disease. A number of electronic systems are currently being used to enhance diabetes care including diabetes registers, clinical decision support systems, and web-based management programs. In order to find studies that evaluated information technology-based interventions that assist GPs to care for patients with diabetes, it was necessary to search the international literature, which could indicate that there is a pressing need to use the technology available for use in general practice in Australia to provide the best care for patients [1]. T2DM is a chronic progressive disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates and currently affects an estimated 1.7 million Australians [2, 3]. T2DM accounts for 85% to 90% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes with lifestyle factors such as inactivity, obesity, and calorie-dense diets contribute to the increasing prevalence of T2DM [2]. Key diabetes management targets include achieving and maintaining HbA1c levels at less than 7%, normal lipids, preventing diabetes complications, appropriate self-care and optimal quality of life [4]. Management is generally undertaken by general practitioners (GPs) supported by an interdisciplinary health care team. In Australia, most chronic disease management undertaken by GPs is underwritten by Medicare
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfm/2012/453450/