Diabetes is a complex disease that may require a routine of blood glucose checks, regular medication, and frequent doctor appointments. Thanks to a special program offered by McLaren Homecare Group, patients get a helping hand, and medical professionals gain a valuable perspective.
“One of our challenges is that we lose sight of diabetes patients once they leave our building. At that point, we must trust they are following our instructions,” says Allen Hunt, vice president of McLaren Homecare Group. “Our new system helps us monitor their health and offer the proper guidance.”
McLaren Homecare Group, with help from the diabetes education departments within McLaren Health System, now uses technology to reach patients by phone on a quarterly basis. Patients are automatically enrolled.
Currently, more than 400 patients are contacted each night. In the calls, a recorded voice asks a series of questions to determine whether patients are testing their blood glucose as directed or need supplies. Staff members are available to respond to issues raised during the calls. They then follow up by ordering supplies and reinforcing the value of following doctor’s orders.
“Patients report a high level of satisfaction with the program,” Hunt says. “Many patients are resuming testing. The number of patients testing their blood glucose as directed has increased.”