Comparison of the effect of patient-centered care model and Standard care in the management of elderly diabetes: Functional outcomes and cost analysis

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a patient-centered care (PCC) model versus standard care in managing elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, focusing on functional outcomes and cost analysis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 246 elderly patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, admitted between September 2021 and June 2024. Patients were defined into two groups: conventional care (n = 131) and PCC (n = 115). Blood tests, functional assessments using Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire - 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5 L) and Activities of daily living (ADL) scales, and economic costs were evaluated at baseline and six months post-intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics version 29.0. RESULTS: Post-intervention, the PCC group showed better glycemic control (lower FPG and 2hPG levels) compared to the conventional group. Functional assessments indicated higher social, cognitive, and physical functioning scores in the PCC group. Quality of life measured by EQ-5D-5 L index was also higher in the PCC group. The incidence rate of complications was significantly lower in the PCC group. Economic analysis revealed that while some costs were higher in the PCC group, overall total costs were lower due to fewer complications and hospitalizations. Multivariate analysis identified PCC as a protective factor against adverse functional outcomes (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings support the adoption of PCC for comprehensive diabetes management in older adults, potentially leading to better long-term health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Future research should explore the long-term impacts and generalizability of these findings across diverse populations.