One-year clinical outcomes for Louisiana residents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

PURPOSE: To identify patient outcomes for residents with a dual diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension under the care of nurse practitioners and physicians in joint or collaborative practice in Louisiana.

DATA SOURCES: A retrospective review of records of 115 patients by 15 NPs across the state (response rate 30%) that examined clinical outcomes after 1 year for 14 indexes of care as well as standards of treatment for both diabetes and hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS: Significant clinical outcomes for body mass index, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol levels were found. Clinical outcomes were correlated with healthcare interventions including appropriate medications, use of diabetes educators, and home glucose monitoring as well as total number of visits to the healthcare provider.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Improved outcomes for patients with a dual diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension can be enhanced by the use of diabetes educators, home glucose monitoring, and frequent visits to the healthcare providers. More research is needed to measure the contribution of NPs to improved health outcomes.