Diabetes UK is often asked to provide a template for a 'standard' patient-held record card. Many patients, nurses and doctors have asked us to produce such cards centrally. Diabetes UK believes that all records, and particularly those which are held by patients, should be adapted for different areas to take account of local needs and priorities. However, there are general principles that should always be applied in the design of patient-held records. With these in mind, we have produced the following general guidance and a template for a patient-held record, based on examples of existing records and advice from the Sheffield Diabetes Person Held Record Group.
Why have a patient-held record?
Patient-held records can:
- serve as an aid to structured care (that is, help ensure that all patients get regular checks on their blood glucose control, eyes, feet, blood pressure etc)
- help to educate the patient and the health professional in the principles of good diabetes care
- involve the patient or carer more closely in the management plan
- facilitate continuity of care when patients move house, change doctors, go on holiday, or need emergency care.
The recent Diabetes NSF delivery strategy states that:
"PCTs should, by 2006, ensure systematic treatment regimens are in place – at the heart of these will be regular reviews, which will be based on a diabetes record and a care plan developed and agreed jointly between the person with diabetes and a member of the diabetes team."
This places the responsibility on every PCT to develop a patient-held record if they do not have one in place already. A patient-held record or personal diabetes record (as it is referred to in the NSF) can also incorporate an agreed care plan, including education and the personal goals of the person with diabetes.
It is important for healthcare professionals to understand that the patient-held record is primarily for the patient's benefit. All medical notes and test results should also be recorded elsewhere in the patient's notes. It is solely up to the patient to decide if they want to make use of this tool. Patients should not be criticised if they decide not to use it.
October 2000
Please find the full care recommendation including an example patient-held record form in our further information box.