Author/Authors :
HUMAYUN, AYESHA Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex - Federal Post Graduate Medical Institute - Department of Community Medicine, Pakistan , KHAN, AHMED SHUJA FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry - Department of Medicine, Pakistan , KHAN, AHMED SHUJA Central Park Medical College, Pakistan , KITCHLEW, RIZWANA FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry - Department of Medicine, Pakistan , SHAMSHER, KHAYYAM FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry - Department of Community Health Sciences, Pakistan , LATIF, ZAHID Azra Naheed Medical College, Pakistan , JAFRI, SYED AHMAD MURTAZA FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry - Departmentof Medicine, Pakistan , HAIDER, SYED AGHA ABBAS FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry - Department of Medicine, Pakistan , BAIG, MIRZA ILYAS FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry - Department of Medicine, Pakistan
Abstract :
Objectives: To improve the practices of non-physician practitioners on early diagnosis and refer-ral of patients with diabetes mellitus. Study will be conducted in a peri-urban village community in Lahore, Pakistan, during 2007 – 2008. Method: Quasi – experimental study, one group before and after design was used to document the effect of training of non-physician practitioners on improving their diabetic patient identification practices and referral to the hospital for diagnostic and treatment facilities. Fasting Blood glucose test was used to identify hyperglycaemics out of those referred by the NPPs. Results: Patient referral was increased by 48.44% after training. Identification of hyperglycaemic patients on the basis of signs and symptoms was 47% before and 48% after training and the dif-ference between two proportions was not significant. Conclusion: Increased number of referrals showed motivation of NPPs towards the task however more prolonged and structured training program is required to utilize their services in community as part of our health care delivery system.
Keywords :
Non , physician practitioners , training of NPPs , hyperglycemia.
