The Effectiveness of Group Medical Visits on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) Specific Outcomes in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Review Objectives: The review objective is to conduct a systematic review (and meta-analysis if appropriate) to synthesize the best available evidence related to effectiveness of group medical visits on HBA1c, BP, and cholesterol measurements/levels for adult patients with DM2 in outpatient settings (i.e., outpatient clinics and private practices). Hospitalized patients will not be included in the review. Review Question: In adult patients with DM2 in outpatient settings, what is the effectiveness of group medical visits compared to usual care, on haemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol measurements/values? Inclusion Criteria: Types of participants: The review will consider studies that include adult patients greater than 18 years of age, males and females, all ethnic groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in outpatient health settings using the following diagnostic outcome criteria: HbA1C, BP, and cholesterol (LDL). All severities of DM2, all co-morbidities, and all types of previous treatment will be considered. Types of interventions: The review will consider the group medical visit model as the intervention. The comparator: usual care as aforementioned Types of outcome measures: This review will consider studies that include the following outcome measures: haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) measurements.