Patient and Clinician Perceptions of Prediabetes: A Mixed-Methods Primary Care Study

Area of Science:

• Family Medicine
• Public Health
• Diabetes Research

Background:

• Prediabetes affects a significant portion of the population.
• Early intervention is crucial to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.
• The National Diabetes Prevention Program (N-DPP) is an evidence-based lifestyle change program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient and clinician perceptions of prediabetes.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for prediabetes care in an academic family medicine setting.
• To inform the implementation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (N-DPP).

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study involving 3 patient focus groups (N=15) and clinician surveys (N=31).
• Thematic analysis of patient discussions on understanding, beliefs, and care experiences.
• Likert-scaled surveys assessed clinician attitudes and perceived barriers to prediabetes care.

Main Results:

• Over half of patients were unaware of their prediabetes diagnosis.
• Patient attitudes towards prediabetes were mixed; some viewed it as serious, others less impactful.
• Patients identified scheduling and transportation as barriers to the N-DPP; clinicians confirmed patient unawareness but noted time availability for screening.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced patient awareness and patient-centered education are essential to overcome prediabetes care barriers.
• Clinicians should clearly communicate risk, treatment options, and N-DPP linkage.
• Improved communication strategies can facilitate N-DPP referral and increase program utilization.