Screening for Type 2 diabetes: is it worthwhile? Views of general practitioners and practice nurses

Area of Science:

• Primary care research
• Public health screening

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes screening is proposed despite not meeting all established criteria.
• Healthcare professionals' views on screening are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore general practitioners' (GPs) and practice nurses' attitudes and beliefs regarding Type 2 diabetes screening.

Main Methods:

• Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 GPs and 9 practice nurses in North-east England.
• Grounded theory was used for iterative data collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• Practitioners with greater awareness of evidence are less supportive of screening.
• Support for screening is often based on 'common sense' (earlier is better) and perceived patient demand.
• Lack of knowledge/skills for lifestyle changes and workload issues contribute to a medicalized view of screening.

Conclusions:

• Belief in Type 2 diabetes screening's worth is influenced by patient perceptions and prior experiences, not solely screening effectiveness evidence.
• Increased resources are likely to promote screening adoption in primary care.