Lifestyle management for type 2 diabetes. Are family physicians ready and willing?
OBJECTIVE
To determine practices and perceptions of family physicians regarding lifestyle interventions to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes (T2D).


METHODS
Confidential mailed survey.


METHODS
Canadian family practices.


METHODS
Random, stratified sample of 1499 respondents to the 2001 National Family Physician Workforce Survey.


METHODS
Physicians' self-reported practice patterns and perceptions of lifestyle counseling for patients at risk for, and diagnosed with, T2D.


RESULTS
Response rate was 53% (749/1410). Respondents frequently asked patients at risk for, or diagnosed with, T2D about physical activity and weight loss, but far fewer provided written advice, particularly about physical activity. Respondents thought counseling with such interventions as generic patient handouts was preferable to more intensive lifestyle management strategies, such as appointments to provide stage-matched counseling on physical activity. Most respondents thought family physicians should perform lifestyle interventions but realized they are confounded by such barriers as patients' lack of interest and limited referral resources.


CONCLUSIONS
Family physicians keen to implement lifestyle interventions for T2D are hampered by barriers and use of ineffective strategies.
Harris
Stewart B
SB
Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, Research Park, London. sharris1@uwo.ca
Petrella
Robert J
RJ
Lambert-Lanning
Anita
A
Leadbetter
Wendy
W
Cranston
Lynda
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'