Brief ReportPatient-centered Medical Homes and Their Effect on Diabetes Outcomes

- The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is an innovative approach to addressing complex health care needs.
- A PCMH has been described as a model of excellence.
- The PCMH improves the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
- This quality improvement project provided evidence that a PCMH has a positive impact on diabetes mellitus indicators.
- The PCMH will increase recognition of nurse practitioners as valuable clinicians.

The purpose of this project was to explore the effectiveness of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) in managing patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid levels, blood pressure, and body mass index as parameters of care. Data were evaluated between 2 intervals (pre-PCMH to 6 months and 1 year post-PCMH). Body mass index and high-density lipoprotein improved during both intervals. Low-density lipoprotein improved during interval 1, and both intervals had increased means for glycosylated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. A PCMH can have positive effects on diabetes indicators.