Speakers - DEWC2025

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is among the top 10 causes of death globally, highlighting the need for improved treatment and medication accessibility. Countries employ various strategies to manage diabetes medications, such as healthcare collaborative networks and primary care enhancements. In China, the national essential medicines system and healthcare consortia aim to address chronic disease medication accessibility.

Methods: We developed a frequency-intensity composite coefficient to measure medication use, based on Defined Daily Doses(DDDs) and Defined Daily Dose Consumption(DDDc). Data from the 2023 National Drug Use Monitoring System in Shanghai were analyzed to assess the convergence of diabetes medication use in primary healthcare institutions and public hospitals above the second level.

Results: The study included 12,421 diabetes medication procurement records from 386 healthcare institutions. The articulation coefficient between primary healthcare institutions and secondary hospitals was 89%, surpassing the 80% between secondary and tertiary hospitals, and the 76% between primary and tertiary hospitals. Partial correlation analysis, controlling for regional economic differences and aging population percentages, identified that the percentage of medicines reimbursed by health insurance, the number of beds, health technicians, practicing physicians, and registered nurses were significant factors (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Secondary institutions are pivotal within healthcare consortia. We propose managing and updating diabetes medication lists centered on secondary lead hospitals, establishing a closed-loop management model for medication supply and data interconnection through resource distribution. This study addresses the gap in research on medication articulation and improves the existing measurement systems.