Diabetes consultation model helps patient involvement in care

(HealthDay)—A consultation model that facilitates person-centered diabetes care results in more patient involvement, including shared decision making, according to a study published online Jan. 23 in Diabetes Care.

Guy E.H.M. Rutten, M.D., Ph.D., from the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands, and colleagues examined the usefulness and added value of a consultation model comprising inventory of disease and patient-related factors; setting personal goals; choosing treatment; and determining required care. Patients were recommended to prepare their visits, and completed a questionnaire after each consultation. A total of 74 physicians and 31 nurses participated, reporting on 1,366 consultations with patients with type 2 diabetes.

The researchers found that the model was applicable in 72.4 percent of cases, according to providers. Physicians more often had a consultation time <25 minutes. Two of three patients spoke more than half of the consultation time, according to providers. Treatment goals were often determined by person-related factors, according to providers. Overall, 94.4 percent of patients reported making shared decisions; they felt more involved than before and gave a rating of 8.6 out of 10 for the consultation. More than half of patients (52.5 percent) reported that the consultation was better after physician-led consultations than before.

"A consultation model to facilitate person-centered care seems well applicable and results in more patient involvement, including shared decision making, and is appreciated by a substantial number of patients," the authors write.

One author disclosed financial ties to Novo Nordisk.

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