Background
The prevalence of diabetes, chiefly type 2 (T2DM), is particularly high in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Effective management of the disorder and its co-morbidities is needed; however quality of T2DM care is variable and suboptimal worldwide. In the UAE, few studies have been undertaken to systematically review the prevalence of T2DM and its risk factors and any changes in these trends overtime. Also, studies on the quality of T2DM care and factors influencing it are lacking.
Aim
To examine the quality of care provided to people with T2DM in Abu Dhabi, particularly Al-Ain, and identify factors influencing it.
Methods
This was a multi-method study involving systematic reviews, and quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected from a random sample of medical records of people with T2DM to assess the quality of T2DM care and improvement overtime and investigate any differences in the care provided to different age groups and genders. The qualitative method includes semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals to investigate factors affecting the quality of T2DM care.
Results
Findings from the quantitative study demonstrated that the care provided to people with T2DM is sub-optimal for glycaemic and blood pressure control. Better glycaemic control was more common among people aged 40 and above. However, encouraging progress with regard to intermediate outcomes of diabetes control including glycaemic and lipid between 2008 and 2010 was found among both genders. Four main themes emerged from the thematic analysis including motivation of healthcare professionals, training of healthcare professionals, team work and Emirate cultural impact on diabetes care.Conclusion
This study has provided a picture of T2DM prevalence and risk factors for its adverse outcomes in the UAE. Findings from this study can help policy makers, managers and healthcare professionals to plan and execute better quality culturally-appropriate interventions to improve diabetes care, and reduce its burden. Strengthening the collaboration and joint planning between different health authorities in the UAE through the development of a national planning framework is highly recommended to reduce the burden of T2DM epidemic and improve the quality of its care. Also, reinforcing the role of the primary care in providing T2DM care, and strengthening the collaboration and co-ordination between the primary and secondary care settings in the UAE is required to optimize the care provided to people with T2DM.