Abstract : Management of diabetes mainly depends on adherence to the prescribed medicine; however, majority of patients fails to cope with their diabetes management plans due to reasons such as high cost of medication, their side effects, and limited knowledge or understanding of the disease. Medication adherence was accessed in this audit among diabetic patients at the Outpatient department (OPD), Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) Teaching Hospital Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, which focuses on alignment with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Adherence was evaluated using a collection of the combination of prospective and retrospective data, through investigation from the patients and review of the records. On 2nd cycle of follow-up, a marked improvement in patients’ adherence to medication, HBA1c levels, smoking cessation and complication rate. Upon 2nd cycle of audit, study also showed a better control on reason of non-compliance to treatment. The cause for non-compliance due to cost issue and lack of understanding was 45% initially, that later shortened to 1% while due to forgetfulness, it also lessened to 1%. We also had a sufficient improvement in follow up visits and sugar monitoring of patients and overall adherence rate was improved. Significant gaps were revealed in the findings by comparing with NICE guidelines, which give emphasis on regular monitoring and focused care of patients. This audit recommends interventions such as education sessions for patients, consultations through tele consults, and regular medical reviews to improve adherence and optimize diabetic care outcomes.

Keyword : Clinical Audit, Compliance, Diabetes