Retention of patients in the Get Checked free annual diabetes review programme in New Zealand

Abstract

Aims: To characterise the retention of patients in the Get Checked free annual diabetes review programme in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Methods: Retrospective review of Waikato Primary Health (WPH) registered patients who had at least one Get Checked review between 1 July 2000 and 30 Jun 2006. Results: 10,919 patients (69% Europeans, 18% Mōri, 3% Pacific Islanders, and 4% Asian) had an initial review during the 5 years of this programme. In 2005/06, only 6100 (57%) of the estimated 10,600 diabetes patients enrolled with WPH utilised the free check. Younger patients aged <40 years, those of Mōri or Asian origin, and those with Type 1 diabetes were less likely to be retained in the programme with regular checks, as indicated by their longer time to second review and lesser likelihood of return for a second or subsequent review. Conclusions: Despite the programme being fully funded, a significant proportion of patients did not return for a second review within 1.5 years after initial review. The loss of those with Type 1 diabetes and younger patients may reflect their greater contact with secondary care rather than GP services. Excess drop out among ethnic minorities need further investigation and intervention. Use of these data for policy purposes could be significantly biased unless there is a single reliable regional diabetes register based on the National Health Index number including all known patients.