Optimizing screening for type 2 diabetes in mobile medical clinics in West Bengal, India: a best practice...

Non-communicable diseases have become a major public health concern, with shifting trends in epidemiology among the tribal populations of India. Among them, type 2 diabetes is emerging as an epidemic, with an estimated prevalence of 19% in West Bengal. Due to inequities in health care access and utilization among tribal communities, seeking treatment for type 2 diabetes differs significantly from the general population.

This project aimed to improve the quality of diabetes screening and management services in mobile medical clinics in Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri Sadar, and Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, India, through the implementation of evidence-based recommendations.

The project used a mixed methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, to evaluate the implementation of type 2 diabetes services in mobile medical clinics. It was guided by JBI's seven-phase approach to evidence implementation, incorporating audit and feedback, and a structured framework to identify barriers, enablers, and implementation strategies.

The project recorded increased compliance with the best practice recommendations across all the settings. The quality of screening practices was improved through strategies such as the dissemination of information, education, and communication materials; strengthening risk communication between health care professionals and community members; and the inclusion of risk assessment tools.

This JBI evidence implementation project demonstrated that structured and context-specific strategies can meaningfully improve adherence to evidence-based diabetes screening practices in mobile medical clinics in underserved tribal populations. Significant improvements were observed in risk-based screening, patient education, communication of results, and use of standardized assessment tools.

https://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A706.