Reducing Variability in Chronic Disease Management: Utility of Chart Audit Tools With Medical Director Oversight

Abstract

In this clinical performance review, the chart audit is introduced in a county jail as a tool to educate about and enforce standard of care management of detainees with chronic diseases including diabetes, asthma, and hypertension. As background, an overview of medical services at the Somerset County Jail is provided, and problems for management of chronic disease attendant to the specific population and high turnover of this jail are described. The rationale for use of an audit tool is presented, and the introduction of a chart audit at the Somerset County Jail with oversight by the medical director is described in detail. Challenges to implementation of this strategy as well as the beneficial outcomes of the chart audit tool, particularly in reducing variability and improving standardization of care, are addressed.

Keywords

variability chronic disease management chart audit correctional health care jail health care

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