Using participation groups to improve diabetes care

The Southwark PCT diabetes patient participation groups were established in 2002 to help patients manage their condition better.

To evaluate the groups to inform their leaders so they can further develop and improve them.

Several methods were used: a patient satisfaction survey; a questionnaire for healthcare professionals who run the groups; and three additional semistructured interviews with hard-to-reach patients. A qualitative and quantitative methodological approach was used.

The diabetes groups helped patients make changes to diet and exercise patterns and provided users with more information, knowledge and a social network. They received positive feedback, with 67% saying it helped them to get more out of their diabetes check-up and 62% saying it helped them manage their condition better.

This research demonstrated the benefits to patients from the information, learning and social validation that the groups provide. PCTs may wish to consider rolling out similar groups to patients with other long-term conditions.