Effectiveness of Group Medical Visits for Patient Wellness: A Mixed Method Study Within UW Health

Chronic medical conditions affect approximately 129 million Americans. The complexities of chronic illness, coupled with limited health care resources and clinician time, can complicate treatment management, and contribute to poor health outcomes. The effect of group medical visits (GMVs) on patient wellness has not been well established.

Mixed-methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data was used to evaluate wellness following completion of GMV programs. Patients completed pre- and post-GMV assessments using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29. GMV programs included Yoga for Cancer, Stress Reduction and Resiliency, Mindful Eco-Wellness, and Mindfulness for Your Health from 2017 to 2024. The PROMIS-29 is a validated health questionnaire that assesses 7 domains: anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, participation in social roles, pain, and physical function. Clinicians and patients also participated in qualitative interviews regarding their GMV experiences.

Among 76 participants who completed pre- and post-GMV PROMIS-29 assessments, fatigue scores improved and participation in social roles increased significantly. Improvements were also observed in anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and physical function, although these changes were not statistically significant. Themes identified from interviews with 15 clinicians and 10 patients included patient empowerment, sense of community, patient satisfaction, integrative care, and trust.

Improvements in PROMIS-29 domains suggest that GMVs may have the potential to enhance patient health and wellness. The themes discovered portray a positive outlook on GMVs, with mindfulness practices and the sense of community that is cultivated within a group setting highlighted as especially important.

GMVs were associated with improvements in fatigue and participation in social roles and were viewed favorably by patients and clinicians. Although additional controlled studies are needed, GMVs may represent a promising approach to supporting wellness among patients living with chronic conditions.