Evaluation of a Support Tool for Diabetes Control in primary care – A Qualitative study with primary care staff

Background

In Denmark, the primary responsibility for treatment of patients with diabetes has shifted from hospitals to primary care. Thus, general practice has assumed responsibility for a complex and multifaceted disease. To address this situation a stratification tool to assist the nurses in primary care in their work with diabetes patients was developed.

Aim

In the present study we evaluated this stratification tool.

Method

The evaluation was based on 18 semi-structured interviews conducted with nurses employed in primary care across Denmark, and who had experience with the stratification tool. The data was subsequently analyzed by content and thematic analyses.

Results

The interviewees were generally positive towards the stratification tool. The analyses established three themes 1. Treatment, 2. Resources, and 3. Points of critique.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that a combined tool for risk stratification of patients with T2D and for subsequent risk communication is perceived as positive and supportive for quality in care. It is seen to potentially reduce the resources presently allocated to well-regulated and stable T2D patients. These resources will eventually be available for other patients. The positive reception by nurses supports that tools like the Diabetes Control Support Tool could be developed and implemented in general practice.