Patient perceptions and provider documentation of diabetes care in rural areas.

Measures of effective diabetes management usually include laboratory results and the provider's point of view, omitting the patient perspective. To address this oversight, a descriptive study was conducted to examine congruence between rural patient self-reported and provider-documented information on American Diabetes Association recommended guidelines. Provider medical record information and patient questionnaires were matched for 149 patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes being treated at rural healthcare facilities. Chi-squared testing showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) between patient and provider information in answers to questions on blood pressure and cholesterol testing, eye examination, influenza and pneumovax rates, and diabetic and nutrition education. Patients' perception of diabetes and blood pressure control did not always match documented values. To achieve diabetes control, providers must implement clinical practice guidelines and patients must take an active role in their disease management. Both must communicate effectively. This does not seem to be the case in rural areas.