title: Attitudes and intentions of UK general practitioners to diabetes care at the time of implementation of their new contract.
abstract: Prior to the introduction of their new contract, the intentions of general practitioners in Leeds (UK) towards diabetes care were assessed. All general practices in one Health District (n = 74) were contacted. Assessment was made of 46 (62%), while 28 expressed lack of interest. Of the 46 assessed, 2 (4%) were single-handed, and 44 (96%) were group practices, and list size was 700-15,500. Practice nurses were employed in 44 (96%) practices. There were 35 (76%) practices which expressed an interest in starting a diabetic clinic, while 6 (13%) had established a clinic. Practice facilities necessary to establish and run a clinic were surveyed. Those available were: register of diabetic patients in 12 (26%) (six of which were incomplete); blood sampling facilities in 45 (98%); blood glucose reagent strips in 45 (98%); glucose meters in 21 (46%) (but five with inappropriate test strips). All practices could check urine, blood pressure, and fundi (dark room available in 40 (87%) practices). Access to dietetic and chiropody services on the premises was available in 19 (41%) and 17 (37%) practices, respectively. Some expertise in diabetes was claimed by only 10 (22%) doctors. Staff at all practices desired further training in diabetes. In conclusion, despite the interest of most practices in starting a diabetic clinic, access to dietetic and chiropody services was inadequate. Expertise was generally lacking, but enthusiasm and desire for training were strong.
authors.affiliation: Professional Medical Unit, General Infirmary, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McMahon
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Bodansky
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000191:economics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology