RESUMO
In the context of implementing hospital reforms, the objective of this work was to compare practice in relation to evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for good practice in diabetes screening and management. Laboratory test consumption was determined for patients hospitalized for diabetes in 2005 in three public hospitals (one civilian, two military) taking care of diabetic patients and performing related biological tests. For the 395 admissions in these three hospitals during 2005 [Diagnosis-related group (DRG) 10M02V "Diabetes, age 36 to 69 years without co-morbidity"], the average length of stay and the number of biological acts ["B"] performed were lower than those given by the French national health cost study scale and by the Montpellier University Hospital database. In terms of qualitative coherence between the guidelines for treatment and the recommendations, the total number of biological acts ["B"] is higher than if one were to strictly apply the good practice suggested by the French Health Authority. These three hospitals have and apply different guidelines for practice in the area of diabetes management. The implementation of reforms such as DRG-based payment scales may be an additional leverage to ensure that the recommendations of best practices are effective. Improved methods and tools for data collection and monitoring are essential, especially for estimating revenue and expenditure.