Team-Based Care Improves Diabetes Outcomes: Higher Program Uptake in Austrian Primary Care
M Schwarz, D Wachabauer, F Röthlin, P Heinrich, I LangnerAbstract
Background
Austria’s disease management program (DMP) “Therapie aktiv” for type 2 diabetes is associated with improved outcomes, including lower mortality, fewer complications, and reduced healthcare costs. However, enrolment remains suboptimal. Primary Health Care Units (PHCUs), a growing team-based care model, are mandated to offer the DMP, unlike traditional GP practices where participation is voluntary. This study examines whether PHCUs achieve higher DMP uptake at the national level.
Methods
Nationwide 2023 data on DMP participation across publicly funded GP practices were analysed. Patients were grouped by care setting (PHCUs vs. single/group practices). DMP enrolment rates were compared using a 2 × 2 contingency table, and relative risk (RR) was calculated.
Results
Although only 5.2% of patients were treated in PHCUs, these accounted for 6.5% of all DMP participants. Patients in PHCUs were 26% more likely to be enrolled in the DMP (RR = 1.27) compared to those in traditional practices. This difference may be underestimated, as PHCUs tend to treat a lower proportion of diabetic patients overall. The findings suggest that structural features of PHCUs, such as multiprofessional teams and coordinated care processes, facilitate programme participation.
Conclusions
PHCUs are associated with higher enrolment in diabetes disease management programs, indicating their potential to improve quality and coordination of chronic care. Strengthening and expanding team-based primary care models may be a key strategy to increase DMP coverage and enhance population health outcomes in Austria.
Key messages
• Patients in team-based Primary Health Care Units are significantly more likely to be enrolled in diabetes disease management programs, highlighting the role of care organisation in improving uptake.
• Expanding and strengthening multiprofessional primary care models can increase participation in chronic care programs and improve population-level diabetes outcomes.