Sharan Syam
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Title: Using interactive focus groups to improve diabetic management in the community
Biography
Biography: Sharan Syam
Abstract
Statement of the Problem:
Diabetes is a poorly managed condition in the community with diabetes drug adherence as low as 36% among different populations [1]. 31.4% of the local population in Shepherd’s Bush do not speak English as a main language, demonstrating how language barriers could be affecting their healthcare [2]. We carried out a need’s analysis survey showing 70% wanted more information about medications and 45% said they did not know what to do if they experienced a side effect. Our aim was therefore to produce a leaflet and organise small focus group sessions targeting these concerns, with translations being provided.
Methodology: The main barriers to diabetic care management were identified in our research as being poor medication adherence, travel, language barriers in communication and health illiteracy. In collaboration with Diabetes UK, a leaflet was created in both Arabic and English addressing these barriers. Diabetic patients in a practice in Shepherds bush (n=650) were recruited by text message to participate in an interactive focus group. Partaking patients (n=20) filled in questionnaires on various adherence parameters before and after the focus group. Data was then analysed using Mann-Whitney-U tests and compared.
Results: The focus group enabled certain barriers to adherence to diabetic medication to be overcome with patients showing a statistically significant decrease in concern over perceived side effects of medications (p<0.001), and an increase in understanding of efficacy of medications (p<0.01). 90% of patients said they now felt more confident in managing their diabetes.
Conclusion Significance: Ten-minute consultations in general practice settings are often insufficient to gage patient understanding on their condition, and this was reflected in our pre-focus group survey. Regular focus group sessions are a simple but effective way of educating patients on their condition, encouraging them to be more proactive in managing their condition, and preventing complications.