Patient Satisfaction With Diabetes Care in a Student-Run Free Medical Clinic: A Quality Improvement Study

Background: Diabetes prevalence continues to be a concern and the management of diabetes is important but costly. The prevalence of diabetes is greater among persons with a low income, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. Student-run free clinics (SRFC) are one resource to these patients who may otherwise lack access to medical care. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with diabetes care at a SRFC in order to assist in identifying areas of improvement. Methods: A quality improvement survey was designed to assess patient satisfaction with overall care, as well as with routines and perception of care related to self-management, healthy eating, and exercise. Results: The survey was completed by 25 patients at a Toledo area SRFC. Established patients who were aged 18 years or older and diagnosed with diabetes, were invited to complete the survey. The majority of patients were satisfied with their diabetes care at the SRFC (88%). Fewer patients, however, reported satisfaction with the treatment for their diabetes (72%) and with their knowledge about diabetes (76%). Subanalyses of survey responses also showed significant differences when comparing sex, age, and length of diabetes diagnosis. Conclusions: The survey helped identify key areas in which the diabetes care provided at the SRFC could be improved. These areas included education about diabetes in general, as well as in understanding treatment, self-monitoring, and healthy eating and exercise options. Future research could explore survey results after specifying and implementing changes made to the education provided to the patients.