Shared medical appointments for Innu patients with well-controlled diabetes in a Northern First Nation Community

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Public health
• Indigenous health

Background:

• High prevalence of diabetes and complications in Sheshatshiu's Innu community.
• Need for culturally appropriate and effective diabetes treatment alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate shared medical appointments (SMAs) as a culturally appropriate alternative to standard care for Innu patients with well-controlled diabetes.
• To assess the effectiveness of SMAs in managing diabetes within this specific community.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-method study involving a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing SMAs to standard care.
• RCT included patients aged 18-65 with HbA1C ≤7.5%.
• Qualitative component involved semi-structured interviews with patients attending SMAs.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in HbA1C levels or changes between SMA and standard care groups at 6 and 12 months.
• No statistical differences in mortality or need for hemodialysis between groups.
• Qualitative data indicated patient satisfaction with SMAs, peer support, and learning opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Shared medical appointments (SMAs) may be an efficient management strategy for well-controlled diabetic patients in the Innu community.
• SMAs provide valuable peer support and learning opportunities.
• SMAs offer a potential venue for integrating Innu healthy-lifestyle knowledge into diabetes care.