Group visits in medically and economically disadvantaged patients with type 2 diabetes and their relationships to clinical outcomes.

Abstract

To evaluate group visits in the management of underinsured patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, 120 eligible patients enrolled were randomly assigned to receive care in groups or continue usual care. Feasibility, acceptability, and concordance with American Diabetes Association standards of care (Diab Camre. 25[suppl 1]:533-549) were evaluated. Patients who received care in groups exhibited improvement in American Diabetes Association standards of care (p < .001), improved sense of trust in physician (p = .02), and tended to report better coordination of care (p = .07), better community orientation (p = .09), and more culturally competent care (p = .09). Group visits offer a promising model for delivering health care to these patients.