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Delivering quality care for people
with diabetes
 The NHS in England and Wales has introduced many goals aimed at improving services for patients with diabetes. Prominent amongst these are the targets set for the commissioning by primary care trusts (PCTs) of Diabetic Retinopathy Screening (DRS) services. However, for many PCTs, establishing a DRS programme has proven to be a complex and difficult process.
Figures charting progress show that a number of PCTs have failed to meet the April 2006 implementation targets for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening, indicates that many PCTs are still struggling with the task of establishing a DRS service and risk not meeting the targets set for 2007.
In this feature, 1st Retinal Screen examines the key issues, discusses how they can be overcome and provides examples from PCTs that have been successful in meeting these targets.
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Data matters – including all patients with diabetes
The foundation of any quality DRS service is the Diabetes / DRS register. However, with the UK population more mobile than ever, establishing an accurate and effective DRS register is giving some Primary Care Trusts cause for concern. Phil Kirby, director of 1st Retinal Screen, examines the issues surrounding a DRS register and discusses how these issues can be resolved. |
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A checklist for implementing a DRS service
Although the National Screening Committee and others provide information and support for DRS programmes, there are a number of key areas, which, if left unaddressed, will lead to significant weaknesses within a primary care trust’s DRS programme. This checklist is designed to assist PCTs in understanding the key issues needed to be addressed and assist them in avoiding the pitfalls.
For PCTs that have already set up a DRS programme, this checklist offers them the opportunity to ensure that their current system provides them the best service possible. |
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Swindon DRS programme – the first year
Gill Saunders, public health manager, outlines the progress made in the first year of Swindon Primary Care Trust's retinal screening programme, along with some key lessons learnt.
Swindon PCT launched the Diabetic Retinopathy Screening (DRS) programme for Swindon GP practice patients and nine Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT practice patients (now Wiltshire PCT) working with 1st Retinal Screen in February 2005. |
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Community eyecare on the high street
For primary care trusts (PCTs) seeking to resolve the conundrum of how to meet the 2007 targets for diabetic retinopathy screening, Simon Williams, director of clinical services, Specsavers, discusses how a practical, innovative and simple solution is now available through 1st Retinal Screen and high street operators Specsavers Opticians. |
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Two London PCTs on track to meet national targets
In April 2006, Westminster Primary Care Trust (PCT), in conjunction with Kensington and Chelsea PCT, introduced a population-wide Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme. Fiona Wilde, a communications manager at Westminster PCT, explains how the service is implemented and the results achieved. |
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E-Health Insider is published by E-Health Media Ltd
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