Electronic Dashboard and Strategies to Improve Outcomes in Pediatric Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: In the last decade, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has dramatically increased in children and adolescents. This population is at increased risk of long-term complications compared to those diagnosed in adulthood. Methods: A comprehensive program was developed to help manage our patients with T2DM. The healthcare team is comprised of multiple members and utilizes both manual and electronic tools, including a PowerBI electronic dashboard with data integration to the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), to optimize care. Goals included reducing hemoglobin A1c (A1c), increasing communication, and decreasing frequency of missed visits. A quality nurse was assigned to monitor this disease state, and, because of the capacities of the technology, she was able to monitor population health in this disease state, and 5 others, at the same time. Results: The percentage of newly diagnosed patients who achieved an A1c less than 8.0% within 6 months improved from 42% to 80%. Outpatient follow-up 10 weeks after diagnosis increased from 57% to 72%. After implementation of an electronic dashboard, our total patient population with A1c of less than 8% improved from 55% to 59%, and total missed appointments decreased from 40% to 23%. Conclusions: Manual tracking and utilization of an electronic dashboard resulted in significant improvement of care in our patients with Type 2 diabetes. Electronic dashboards provide a low-cost and efficient way to better understand clinic demographics and track improvements for a specific patient population. Efforts should focus on increasing communication and continuity of care for pediatric patients with Type 2 diabetes, given its increasing prevalence and impact on patient wellbeing and the healthcare system. Highlights Implementation of an electronic dashboard significantly improved glycemic control in pediatric patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Newly diagnosed patients achieving A1c < 8% within 6 months increased from 42% to 80%. Missed follow-up appointments for established patients decreased from 40% to 23% after dashboard implementation. The dashboard enabled real-time tracking, automated outreach, and enhanced patient engagement through telehealth and incentives. Manual tracking and structured follow-up programs were particularly effective for newly diagnosed patients.