RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the 1997 American Diabetes Association screening guidelines were being implemented by primary care providers. METHODS: A retrospective health record review was undertaken in a large midwestern ambulatory care clinic. A master list was developed of clients aged 45 to 54 years who had been given a physical examination between January 1, 1998, and June 30, 1998. A total of 310 records were systematically selected and abstracted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Although all subjects met the age criterion by design, and a high percent were high risk, only 57.7% were screened for diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the 1997 screening guidelines was inadequate in this practice setting; therefore the authors suggest replicating this study in other practice settings. Diabetes educators should continue to promote the practice of screening high-risk individuals of all ages.