OBJECTIVE

To review the impact of the Joint Principle of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) in primary care patients with diabetes.

METHODS

Systematic review of English articles using approximate terms for (1) the 7 principles of the PCMH, (2) primary care, and (3) HbA1C. We included experimental and observational studies. Three authors independently extracted data and obtained summary estimates for concepts with more than 2 high-quality studies.

RESULTS

Forty-three studies published between 1998 and 2012 met inclusion criteria, 33 randomized and 10 controlled before-after studies. A physician-directed medical practice (principle 2) lowered HbA1C values when utilizing nursing (mean difference [MD] -0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.43 to -0.28) or pharmacy care management (MD -0.76; 95% CI -0.93 to -0.59). Whole-person orientation (principle 3) also lowered HbA1C (MD -0.72, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.45). Studies of coordinated and integrated care (principle 4) and quality and safety interventions (principle 5) did not consistently lower HbA1C when reviewed in aggregate. We did not identify high-quality studies to make conclusions for personal physician (principle 1), enhanced access (principle 6), and payment (principle 7).

CONCLUSION

Our review found individual interventions that reduced the HbA1C by up to 2.0% when they met the definitions set by of the Joint Principles of the PCMH. Two of the principles-physician-led team and whole-person orientation-consistently lowered the HbA1C. Other principles had limited data or made little to no impact. Based on current evidence, PCMH principles differentially influence the HbA1C, and there are opportunities for additional research.