A quality assurance audit of Illawarra PADP Scheme home glucose meters and evaluation of their use by patients.

A total of 187 home glucose meters have been issued to Illawarra residents by the Program of Aids for Disabled Patients (PADP) Scheme operating out of Port Kembla District Hospital in a 5-year period ending 31 December 1989. These meters, representing a valuable health resource, have been loaned to patients without audit or follow up. Sixteen per cent of meters were unable to be located and 33.2% could not be located using existing PADP records. Of those meters which could be tested, 16.4% were inaccurate; the recipient's technique was inadequate for accurate results in 36.1% of instances. This survey has revealed a significant loss of health resources in addition to inadequate clinical assessment and supervision.