The influence of continuity care on elderly patients with diabetes

Objective:To investigate the effects of continuity care on elderly patients with diabetes.Methods:From June 2012 to February 2014,82 elderly diabetic patients were randomly divided into the control group(42 cases) and observation group(40 cases).The control group and observation group were routinely followed up and continuity care based on the routine following up,respectively.The compliances of diet,exercise,treatment and blood glucose monitoring in two groups were observed.The glycosylated hemoglobin and medical expenses between two groups were compared after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of discharge.Results:Forty cases in observation group and 36 cases in control group were followed-up.The compliances of exercise,medication and blood glucose monitoring in observation group were better than those in control group after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of discharge(P<0.01).The difference of the compliance of diet between two groups was not statistically significant after 12 weeks of discharge(P>0.05).The material cost in observation group was higher than that in control group after discharge for 1 to 12 weeks(P<0.01).After discharge for 1 to 24 weeks,the health care cost in observation group was lower than that in control group(P<0.01).The differences of drug and material between two groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusions:The continuity care can improve the compliance of treatment and maintain stable blood glucose of elderly patients with diabetes after discharge.