Diabetes Management in Long-Term Care: An Exploratory Study of the Current Practices and Processes to Managing Frail Elderly Persons with Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVES: There is limited evidence for the management of diabetes in frail elderly residents living in long-term care (LTC) settings. The purpose of this study was to explore the current practices of glycemic management in frail elderly persons with diabetes living in LTC settings. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods convergent parallel design, this study surveyed medical directors and attending physicians of long-term care centres through an online questionnaire and one-on-one semistructured interviews. RESULTS: A total of 39 questionnaires were completed, representing a variety of LTC settings, including private and public settings. Diabetes management practices varied across the participating settings with respect to glucose targets, with 69% of respondents selecting glycated hemoglobin levels of 8% or greater as being appropriate for LTC residents. Blood glucose monitoring, pharmacotherapy, presence of comorbidities, frailty and life expectancy were highlighted as variables for consideration in diabetes management in LTC. Interviews with attending physicians further illustrated the variability of opinions related to the use of clinical practice guidelines, glucose target levels and intensity of management (i.e. blood glucose monitoring and pharmacotherapy). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study were triangulated with both the quantitative survey and the qualitative interviews. The implications of these findings suggest a disparity between what physicians feel should be achieved for diabetes management and what is actually done for frail elderly adults in LTC settings. Further research needs to be completed to assess the distinct needs and considerations of this unique population and healthcare setting.