Specialty Group Medical Visits for Patients With Diabetes

Impact of a Multidisciplinary, Endocrinologist-Led Shared Medical Appointment Model on Diabetes-Related Outcomes in an Underserved Population

A multidisciplinary endocrinologist-led shared medical appointment (SMA) model showed statistically significant reductions in A1C from baseline over 3 years that were not significantly different from appointments with endocrinologists or primary care providers alone within a resource-poor population. Similarly, the SMA model achieved clinical outcomes on par with endocrinologist-only visits with the added benefit of improving endocrine provider productivity and specialty access for patients. Greater patient engagement with the SMA model was associated with significantly lower A1C.

Group Medical Visits: experiences with patient and resident implementation

Objective: Patients with diabetes must navigate multiple components of care to self-manage their disease. Group Medical Visits (GMVs) are a forum for patients to see a provider as well as actively participate in education and care management with other patients with diabetes. The objective is to describe GMV implementation and resident involvement in a primary care setting.Methods: We adapted and implemented a GMV model into a primary care practice with a residency program. Residents attend GMV sessions that provide a continuity experience in addition to their regular clinic schedules. A cohort of patients enroll in a series of eight GMVs occurring over of 4 months. Each patient and resident complete surveys evaluating the visits.Results: There have been 14 GMV groups totaling 70 participants. GMV groups (N = 67) mean A1C for reduction was 0.53 ± 1.60 from baseline to 3- to 6-month post-GMV follow-up. Resident and patient feedback show an overall positive experience.Conclusion: The GMV model offers patients the setting to interact and exchange experiences with each other as well as to receive feedback from providers and the health-care team.  The incorporation of the GMV program into residency training provides a continuity group care experience and an alternative practice model.