Diabetes MESSAGES: A Learning Collaborative to Support Community Health Centers in Implementing and Sustaining Group...

The goal of the Diabetes MESSAGES study was to support community health centers (CHCs) in implementing diabetes group visits (GVs). In this paper, we describe the training and technical assistance provided and evaluate implementation and sustainability. CHC teams attended in-person learning sessions and regular web-based check-ins, implemented a 6-month GV program, and completed surveys and reports. We analyzed changes in staff knowledge and attitudes from pre- to post-training. We measured adoption, engagement, fidelity, tailoring, staff satisfaction, and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Using a mixed-methods multi-site case study approach, we identified factors related to sustainability. All 7 CHC teams successfully implemented GVs for 6 months; 4 continued GVs after the study period. Teams adapted the GV model to their local contexts while retaining the core elements of individual medical care, group education, goal setting, and social support. Staff enjoyed GVs and thought they benefited patients. Key factors that differed between sites that continued GVs and sites that did not were team cohesiveness, experience, and stability; success in operationalizing GV model components; ongoing adaptation and improvement; and ability to demonstrate benefits and address concerns regarding the organizational impact of GVs. The Diabetes MESSAGES learning collaborative offered a flexible GV model, a roadmap for implementation, expert coaching, and co-learning with other CHCs. CHCs succeeded in implementing diabetes GVs despite barriers. Lessons learned may be useful for others hoping to establish and maintain their own GV programs.