| Popis: |
Suboptimal adherence to medication and lifestyle modification continues to be a problem in diabetic patients in the US. Previous studies have investigated the potential of group educational visits in improving medication adherence and short-term health outcomes, but few have done so using a biopsychosocial approach in visits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect that group visits, conducted using an integrated behavioral health model at a primary care practice, had on A1c and distress levels in diabetic adults.Using the Diabetic Distress Scale (DDS), 15 adults were identified as having moderate diabetic distress (3.0) between December 2016 and May 2017 and invited to attend a group visit in May 2017 to address identified barriers. Of those, nine attended. The group visit, conducted by a psychologist, sought to reduce diabetic distress by targeting behavioral and social factors, including improving social and familial support, using diabetes online forums, and improving mind-body connection. Repeat A1c and DDS measurements for all nine visit participants were collected three months after.Group visit participants experienced a decrease in A1c (p=0.011). All nine participants had a decrease in their post-intervention DDS. Of the six patients who had positive DDS screens but did not attend, three had increased A1c, two had no change, one had a decrease, and one did not have a repeat A1c.Multidisciplinary group visits targeting the biopsychosocial model may be an efficient supplement to the individual medical visit to further improve control of diabetic distress and short-term morbidity in Rhode Island. |
