Using Nurse Practitioner Coordinated Group Visits to Improve Diabetes Outcomes in a Primary Care Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this evidence-based project was to introduce a group visit model as a feasible intervention to improve diabetes outcomes. This quantitative quasi-experimental study looked at a convenience sample of five patients from a population of over 700 diabetes patients in a family practice setting. The group visit intervention was an extended diabetes visit for study participants that includes a focus on electronic health record concordance with the American Diabetes Association guidelines, provider visit and group setting educational and support atmosphere instead of a usual care visit. The outcomes measured were electronic health record concordance with American Diabetes Association guidelines, which improved significantly after the group visit intervention. In addition, diabetic measures outcomes including Hemoglobin A1c, lipids, microalbumin, blood pressure, weight, vaccinations, eye and foot exam, glucose selfmonitoring, exercise and smoking status, were measured but results were inconclusive. Improvement in comprehensive care of the diabetic patient population has been shown to decrease diabetes complications, disability, costs and mortality. The study was shown to be feasible within a family practice clinic and could impact over 700 patients in the future. The small sample size limited any generalizable conclusions from the study.