Why do GPs hesitate to refer diabetes patients to a self-management education program: a qualitative study
2011

Why GPs Hesitate to Refer Diabetes Patients to Self-Management Programs

Sample size: 20 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sunaert Patricia, Vandekerckhove Marie, Bastiaens Hilde, Feyen Luc, Vanden Bussche Piet, De Maeseneer Jan, De Sutter An, Willems Sara

Primary Institution: Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Belgium

Hypothesis

What are the barriers preventing GPs from referring patients to a self-management education program for diabetes?

Conclusion

GPs hesitate to refer patients to self-management education programs due to concerns about their role, the program's value, and logistical barriers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Many GPs expressed concerns about the added value of the program.
  • Distance to the program center was a practical barrier for many patients.
  • GPs needed reassurance that the program would respect their role in patient care.
  • Some GPs felt that the program increased their administrative workload.
  • Training in motivational skills was identified as a need among GPs.

Takeaway

Doctors are sometimes unsure about sending their diabetes patients to special classes to help them manage their condition because they worry about their own role and whether it will really help the patients.

Methodology

Qualitative analysis of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with a purposive sample of 20 GPs.

Potential Biases

GPs may have biases based on their previous experiences and perceptions of the healthcare system.

Limitations

The study may underestimate the real referral rate as it categorizes GPs based on the number of patients entering the program.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 20 GPs with varying degrees of adoption, gender, and age.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2296-12-94

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication