As a large practice with approx. 14,300 patients, and around 10% having a diagnosis of diabetes, there was a long wait time for diabetes review. As a practice, they wanted to provide more support to their patients, and a more manageable way of working for the diabetes team.
This paved the way for their face to face group consultations. They aim for 6-10 patients to attend per session, which lasts 90 minutes, and a Diabetic Specialist Nurse attends the sessions, which are facilitated by a Health Coach.
Patients are invited to the group consultations at annual reviews or when receiving abnormal results. They each are given information about the group sessions and provide consent before attending if they choose to.
Karen Bennett, Health Coach and Group Facilitator says “these clinics are the highlight of our month. There’s just something special about shared learning, meaningful conversations. There’s always something to take away both for the patients and us”
Feedback from patients has also been great, stating the sessions are very informative & professional, lots of advice is given, and the group leader puts everyone at ease.
