Attitudes and intentions of UK general practitioners to diabetes care at the time of implementation of their new contract

Abstract

Prior to the introduction of their new contract, the intentions of general practitioners in Leeds (UK) towards diabetes care were assessed. All general practices in one Health District (n = 74) were contacted. Assessment was made of 46 (62%), while 28 expressed lack of interest. Of the 46 assessed, 2 (4%) were single-handed, and 44 (96%) were group practices, and list size was 700-15,500. Practice nurses were employed in 44 (96%) practices. There were 35 (76%) practices which expressed an interest in starting a diabetic clinic, while 6 (13%) had established a clinic. Practice facilities necessary to establish and run a clinic were surveyed. Those available were: register of diabetic patients in 12 (26%) (six of which were incomplete); blood sampling facilities in 45 (98%); blood glucose reagent strips in 45 (98%); glucose meters in 21 (46%) (but five with inappropriate test strips). All practices could check urine, blood pressure, and fundi (dark room available in 40 (87%) practices). Access to dietetic and chiropody services on the premises was available in 19 (41%) and 17 (37%) practices, respectively. Some expertise in diabetes was claimed by only 10 (22%) doctors. Staff at all practices desired further training in diabetes. In conclusion, despite the interest of most practices in starting a diabetic clinic, access to dietetic and chiropody services was inadequate. Expertise was generally lacking, but enthusiasm and desire for training were strong.