Associations between attainment of incentivised primary care diabetes indicators and mortality in an English cohort

Abstract

Aims: To describe associations between incentivised primary care clinical and process indicators and mortality, among patients with type 2 diabetes in England.

Methods: A historical 2010-2017 cohort (n = 84,441 adults) was derived from the UK CPRD. Exposures included English Quality and Outcomes Framework glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; 7.5%, 59 mmol/mol), blood pressure (140/80 mmHg), and cholesterol (5 mmol/L) indicator attainment; and number of National Diabetes Audit care processes completed, in 2010-11. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results: Over median 3.9 (SD 2.0) years follow-up, 10,711 deaths occurred. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) indicated 12% (95% CI 8-16%; p < 0.0001) and 16% (11-20%; p < 0.0001) lower mortality rates among those who attained the HbA1c and cholesterol indicators, respectively. Rates were also lower among those who completed 7-9 vs. 0-3 or 4-6 care processes (aHRs 0.76 (0.71-0.82), p < 0.0001 and 0.61 (0.53-0.71), p < 0.0001, respectively), but did not obviously vary by blood pressure indicator attainment (aHR 1.04, 1.00-1.08; p = 0.0811).

Conclusions: Cholesterol, HbA1c and comprehensive process indicator attainment, was associated with enhanced survival. Review of community-based care provision could help reduce the gap between indicator standards and current outcomes, and in turn enhance life expectancy.

Keywords: General practice; National Diabetes Audit; Quality and Outcomes Framework; Type 2 diabetes.