Improving diabetes outcomes by an innovative group visit model: a pilot study

To develop a group visit model that improves A1C, blood pressure, lipids, depression, and satisfaction among patients with diabetes that can be used in primary care practice settings.

Using a pre/post-test descriptive design, data were collected from 22 adult patients of a private family practice office. All patients had a diagnosis of diabetes and A1C of 7.5 or above. The participants consisted of over 70% of persons aged 50 or older who reported having diabetes for over 5 years. Eighty percent were female and 32% were African American. A1C, blood pressure, weight, lipids, depression, and satisfaction surveys were measured before and after the group visit series.

The mean reduction in A1C was 1.1 points (p = .009). Weight decreased by a mean of 3.01 pounds (p = .001), diastolic blood pressure improved by a mean of 5.76 mmHg (p = .002). The Beck Depression Inventory showed significant improvement (p = .045) in depression scores. The Seattle Outpatient Satisfaction Questionnaire showed improvement (p = .028).

This model of care needs further testing, but preliminary data show it to be effective in improving clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes and realistic for nurse practitioner's to implement.