title: Study circles at the pharmacy--a new model for diabetes education in groups.
abstract: During the past years diabetes education has developed greatly. However, a survey of diabetes care in Sweden in 1995 showed that only 40% of the patients examined had acceptable HbAlc values. This underlines the need for an effective and low-cost patient education programme. In this study we tested the feasibility of a 1-year group education model for patients with type 2 diabetes at Swedish pharmacies. In the study circles, led by specially trained pharmacists, participants learned how to self-monitor glucose, to interpret the results and to act upon them. We conclude that study circles held at pharmacies are a feasible way of educating persons with type 2 diabetes. The group setting promoted learning through peer help and gave emotional support to participants. Metabolic control as measured by HbAlc improved significantly after 6 months, but reverted to baseline levels again at 12 months. The reason for this needs further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Medicine, Uppsala University, Sweden.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sarkadi
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Rosenqvist
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin