Outpatient Diabetes Care in Germany - Results of a Structural Survey among Outpatient Diabetes Care Centres

Background The number of diabetes mellitus diseases is increasing in Germany. To investigate the specialised outpatient diabetes care, a survey of diabetes centres was conducted regarding structure, organization and qualification of non-medical staff. Method Physicians of the Federal Association of Outpatient Diabetologists (BVND) and the German Diabetes Association (DDG) received a questionnaire. The survey time was 3 months with central data evaluation. Results 2642 physicians were contacted, the response rate was 53.2% (1405 physicians in 540 outpatient centres). 51% of centres were group centres. 67% had an interdisciplinary cooperation (47% with general practioners, 37% with internists). 79% of the centres offered additional general practice functions and ran interdisciplinary quality circles. 96% participated in the DMP diabetes. 41% patients were directly referred for diabetes. The use of evaluated education programs amounted to 82%. 65% of the centres offered programs for migrants. 51% had a certification as diabetes foot center. The mean age of physicians was 53 years, only 7% were younger than 40. The proportion of non-physician medical personnel was high. Conclusions The centres worked with structured quality andover-average personell ressources. The profiles of the centres were heterogenous. According to the age distribution and the diabetes development a potential decline in care is predictable.