Group visits in diabetes care: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: This review appraised research evidence on the effectiveness of group visits for persons with diabetes. The group visit approach included both education and medical management of the patient, and this review focuses on the implications for the certified diabetes educator (CDE) as part of the group visit provider team.

Methods: A search of a comprehensive list of databases produced 395 articles related to group visits, group education, and primary care of patients with diabetes.

Results: Using specific inclusion criteria, 12 articles were included in the review. Four review articles examined a total of 75 studies, and 8 additional original research articles analyzed outcomes related to group visits in the care of patients with diabetes.

Conclusions: Current models for diabetes focused group visits that incorporate both group education and a health provider office visit in lieu of the traditional brief office visit failed to demonstrate consistent statistical improvement in A1C, BP, or lipids. There is evidence that group visits may reduce costs, some physiological outcomes may be improved, and patient and clinician satisfaction may be enhanced. The diabetes focused group visit model needs further testing by health care teams in a variety of settings including private primary care and rural practices.