Diabetes service provision in primary care: a baseline survey in a city primary care trust (PCT)

Primary care trusts (PCTs) are a key plank of the modernisation of the NHS in the UK. They have a unique role in the commissioning and provision of services to local communities. A baseline assessment of diabetes service provision in primary care is vital in establishing current levels of service and in developing service models relevant to local populations. We have developed and evaluated an audit tool to baseline diabetes services in primary care. We used this tool in the Eastern Leicester PCT which serves a population of 180 000 with a high South Asian population, estimated to be around 50%. This PCT has a high number of single-handed general practices serving a deprived population. The survey was undertaken using direct interviewing of key members of the primary health care team, using a semi-structured interview lasting for around an hour. All practices in the PCT were involved. The results of this survey highlighted major deficiencies in current services, e.g. only 10% of the practices had a structured plan for providing education for people with diabetes. It also demonstrated how regional estimates of the prevalence of diabetes in the UK may seriously underestimate the ‘true’ prevalence in some localities. This study highlights the uphill task many PCTs will face in terms of meeting the national service framework standards and providing basic elements of diabetes care. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.