What are the development priorities for management of type 2 diabetes by general practitioners in Ningbo, China: a qualitative study of patients’ and practitioners’ perspectives

Woolley, A.K.; Li, Li; Solomon, Josie; Li, Jialin; Huang, Kai; Chahal, Punam; Chahal, Priya; Tu, Gloria; Chahal, Pritpal; Chattopadhyay, Kaushik

Abstract

Objectives: To explore patient and general practitioner (GP)’s perspectives on primary care management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Ningbo, China. We aim to understand the current benefits and challenges, and to identify development priorities.

Design: Exploratory qualitative descriptive study using face to face interviews and analysed by thematic, inductive analysis.

Setting: 11 primary care facilities spread across the city of Ningbo, China.

Participants: 23 Patients with T2DM and 20 GPs involved in caring for patients with T2DM.

Results: GPs were considered the first point of contact, and providers of information. However, care varied; many GPs lacked confidence and felt overworked. Medication was a particularly weak area. Diagnostic screening was commenced late, leading to crisis presentations. Patients were variably informed about their condition, contributing to poor adherence.

Conclusions: Future developments of primary care for T2DM in Ningbo should centre around improving GP confidence and workload, and patient education and adherence.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 16, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Sep 10, 2020
• Publication Date: Sep 10, 2020
• Deposit Date: Jul 29, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 10, 2020
• Journal: BMJ Open
• Electronic ISSN: 2044-6055
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 9
• Article Number: e037215
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037215
• Keywords: General Medicine
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4795414
• Publisher URL: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/9/e037215