An inventory of diabetes care in Qatar

Abstract

Diabetes is a global epidemic and the highest prevalence rates in the world are found in Gulf Corporation Council countries, including Qatar. The country's Supreme Council of Health has recognised its significant health threat and has proposed the formation of a national diabetes plan. Baseline assessment of existing diabetes care can inform such design and implementation. The aim of this study was to inventory diabetes health care resources in Qatar. A prospective survey of private and public health care facilities serving outpatients in the country was conducted. A nine-item questionnaire was administered to determine patient access, multidisciplinary services and availability of drug therapy. Thirty-five (67%) of 52 identified health care settings participated. Services devoted to diabetes care were declared at five hospitals (one private and four public) and 24 clinics (15 private and nine public). The majority were located in the country's capital. Few offered services to children and adolescents (20% of hospitals, 55% of clinics). Most were led by general practitioner physicians with limited multidisciplinary contribution (nurses in 73%, dietitians in 17%). Administration of certain drug therapy may be restricted to specialist prescribers and may be unavailable to non-nationals. Patients with diabetes in Qatar may seek care from an array of private and public health settings. Elements of any comprehensive national plan to address diabetes and its complications must incorporate enhanced training support for primary care physicians, expanded multidisciplinary care and services for children and adolescents.