Quality indicators for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in Europe--IMAGE.

BACKGROUND: The marked increase of type 2 diabetes necessitates active development and implementation of efficient prevention programs. A European level action has been taken by launching the IMAGE project to unify and improve the various prevention management concepts, which currently exist within the EU. This report describes the background and the methods used in the development of the IMAGE project quality indicators for diabetes primary prevention programs. It is targeted to the persons responsible for diabetes prevention at different levels of the health care systems. METHODS: Development of the quality indicators was conducted by a group of specialists representing different professional groups from several European countries. Indicators and measurement recommendations were produced by the expert group in consensus meetings and further developed by combining evidence and expert opinion. RESULTS: The quality indicators were developed for different prevention strategies: population level prevention strategy, screening for high risk, and high risk prevention strategy. Totally, 22 quality indicators were generated. They constitute the minimum level of quality assurance recommended for diabetes prevention programs. In addition, 20 scientific evaluation indicators with measurement standards were produced. These micro level indicators describe measurements, which should be used if evaluation, reporting, and scientific analysis are planned. CONCLUSIONS: We hope that these quality tools together with the IMAGE guidelines will provide a useful tool for improving the quality of diabetes prevention in Europe and make different prevention approaches comparable.

The European perspective of diabetes prevention.

The dramatic increase in newly diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes is a major public health concern within the European Union. However, it has been demonstrated that prevention programmes can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. There is a clear consensus amongst healthcare professionals that action is urgently needed at both EU and community levels. The challenge is to implement proven intervention methods effectively into clinical reality. To achieve this, action is needed not only in the field of policy development but also in the development of targeted intervention programmes, which address the needs of people with an increased diabetes risk, clinical- and community-based healthcare professionals, and the general population. The Diabetes Prevention Forum (DPF), founded by the European region of the International Diabetes Federation, consists of European diabetes experts from a range of backgrounds. The DPF is taking immediate action to co-ordinate and improve the information flow between all relevant stakeholders to enable more effective communication, so helping to improve the ability to prevent type 2 diabetes in Europe.