GPs and GP registrars now have access to a new Clinical e-Audit developed by National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS), which can assist with the management of patients with type 2 diabetes.

This latest desktop software program, which features a new visual design and fast, intuitive feedback functions, helps GPs review drug therapy and target achievement in patients with type 2 diabetes, and provides instantaneous feedback based on clinical data entered.

"This Clinical e-Audit provides a new structured opportunity for GPs to look at the quality of their management of patients with type 2 diabetes and to monitor their progress in a continuing cycle of quality improvement," NPS Education and Quality Assurance Program Manager, Judith Mackson, said.

"Specifically, this activity will assist GPs to review the use of oral antidiabetic agents and insulin, frequency of monitoring and the management of coexisting dyslipidaemia and hypertension," she said.

The Clinical e-Audit is independent of prescribing software, with data securely submitted online. Participants are required to review 20 patients and will receive 40 RACGP points.

Participation in the type 2 diabetes Clinical e-Audit assists GPs to:

- identify patients' ideal HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid levels
- use a systematic approach to review frequency of monitoring for HbA1c, blood pressure, lipid levels
- review drug use to achieve optimal control of blood glucose - alter antidiabetic drug therapy in patients who are not achieving target HbA1c
- identify when failure of oral antidiabetic therapy warrants initiation of insulin
- assess coexisting dyslipidaemia and hypertension to minimise cardiovascular risk

Enrolment before 9 January 2009 will enable completion of the audit in the current Quality Prescribing Initiative cycle (ending 30 April 2009). The audit will be available until 16 April 2010. To enrol visit nps.au/healthpro.

This Clinical e-Audit has been approved by the RACGP Quality Assurance & Continuing Professional Development Program and ACRRM Professional Development Program is pending and is also recognised for the Quality Prescribing Initiative of the Practice Incentives Program in the current year.

NPS has run two other e-audits over the past two years in hypertension and ischemic heart disease.

National Prescribing Service Limited