An Innovative Way to Overcome Barriers and Achieve Quality Care

摘要

Group visits empower patients to better self-manage their diabetes. The visits provide a supportive setting where patients feel safe asking questions and expressing their concerns about their disease. Studies show that group visits result in improved metabolic control, health behaviors, quality of life, and knowledge of diabetes. Patients who will benefit most from group visits are those whose diabetes is not well controlled (hemoglobin Au level higher than 8%, an LDL-cholesterol level higher than 130 mg/dL, or blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg). Group visits are usually 2 hours long; the first hour is conducted by the nurse or medical assistant, and the second hour is led by the physician.