DOI

10.21007/con.dnp.2024.0078

Faculty Advisor

Laura Reed, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE

Clinical Site

The University of Tennessee Family Medicine Clinic

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 4-15-2024

Disciplines

Endocrine System Diseases | Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Health and Medical Administration | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing | Nursing Administration | Public Health and Community Nursing | Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose/Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common, chronic disease that increases the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke fourfold, which makes protecting cardiac function a priority. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA) recommend the prescription of statins to reduce cardiovascular complications. Unfortunately, provider and patient adherence to this recommendation is poor.This study aimed to determine if shared-decision making and patient follow-up within a 6 month period of being newly diagnosed with T2D has an effect on the initiation rate of statin therapy.

Methods

In this retrospective study we requested data from the University of Tennessee Family Medicine clinic on newly diagnosed diabetic patients from December 2021 to December 2023 that met criteria (40 years or older, eligible for statin therapy, new diagnosis of T2D, had at least one follow-up appointment within the last 2 years). Information requested included the patient’s sex, age, baseline HbA1C, referral date, and whether or not statin therapy was initiated within 6 months of diagnosis. The data was then analyzed for descriptive statistics using Intellectus statistical analysis software.

Results

Twenty-nine patients (8 male, 21 female) met inclusion criteria. The mean age of the participants was 52.8 years (female mean age: 54.9 years; male mean age: 47.5 years), and the mean baseline HgA1C was 9.16%. Of the 29 patients included in the study, 100% of them had statin therapy initiated within 6 months of diagnosis.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The results of this study are reassuring that patient follow up within 6 months of a new T2D diagnosis is key in initiating current statin therapy guidelines. These findings reinforce the essential role of nurse practitioners in the management of T2D and associated cardiovascular risk, highlighting the importance of patient education, regular monitoring, and collaborative care.

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