A Qualitative Evaluation of Patient Experiences With Group Medical and Individual Education Appointments for Type 2 Diabetes Management in Saskatchewan, Canada

The purpose of this study was to capture information on patient experiences and perspectives of group medical appointments (GMAs) and compare them to those attending individual appointments (IAs) with the diabetes education team (usual care) for managing type 2 diabetes.

Adults (N = 18; 61% male; 83% 50-70 years old ) with type 2 diabetes (or prediabetes) living in rural Saskatchewan were recruited to complete a semistructured interview on their experiences with GMAs or IAs. To be eligible to participate, individuals must have attended at least 2 GMAs or 2 IAs. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using content analysis.

Overall, participants spoke highly of their respective appointment type. Results indicated that both appointment types positively influenced understanding of diabetes management, with the most notable difference being greater understanding of stress management in the GMAs. Participants identified several positive aspects of each appointment type, which included convenience, supportive and enjoyable, and informative for GMAs and time and tailored information for IAs. Participants provided some suggestions to improve diabetes related-care for their respective appointment type.

Participants of GMAs and IAs for type 2 diabetes each reported unique strengths to their respective care plan and reported benefiting from their care.