Introduction and Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) management presents significant healthcare challenges, and optimizing post-hospitalization care is crucial. This study explores the impact of scheduled follow-up appointments with an endocrinologist on the glycemic status of diabetic patients discharged from the hospital.
Methods: We retrospectively included adult patients with DM who were admitted to UPMC McKeesport Hospital for any reason from March 2018 to September 2022. The patients were divided into group A, who were provided with scheduled follow-up appointments, and group B, the patients who were given contact information to schedule their own appointments.
Results: Forty patients, median age of 60 years (IQR: 50.2-66.0), male 25 (62%) were included. In group A, the median A1C levels at admission and 90-day post-discharge were 10.9% (IQR: 7.9-13.9) and 7.6% (IQR: 5.4-9.4), respectively. In group B, the corresponding characteristics were 10.6% (IQR: 8.2-12.1) and 7.5% (IQR: 5.8-9.4). There was no relation between post-discharge scheduled appointments and readmission rate in 90 days (P > 0.05). There was a significant relation between readmission rate and A1C level in 90 days (P < 0.05). Among those attending follow-up visits with an endocrinologist, 56% experienced an improvement in A1C levels of at least 0.5% in 90 days.
Conclusion: Follow-up appointment with endocrine clinic has the potential to lead to improved clinical outcomes as evidenced by reduction in A1C level.
S. Tehranian: None. S. Mon: None.
