Healthcare professional views of a diabetes review postal box: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Non-attendance at diabetes appointments is common, 1–4 and associated with higher HbA1c levels, reduced medication taking, and increased complications. 1–45 Barriers to attendance are multifactorial including both logistical and psychosocial factors. 6–11 A proposed solution is the implementation of a postal diabetes annual review box enabling self-collection of blood and urine samples, and measurement of blood pressure and weight. Aim: To explore the views of Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) who are involved in the organisation or delivery of diabetes care regarding the acceptability and implementation of a postal box as part of the diabetes annual review. Method: We conducted a qualitative study recruiting HCPs into semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Collected data were analysed using an inductive approach and following the principles of reflexive thematic analysis12. Results: Twenty-one HCPs participated in the study. HCPs felt that a postal box could overcome many individual and service factors contributing to non-attendance. They felt the box could encourage self-management behaviours and could be used as a tool for communication. HCPs recognised that the postal box could free up time in appointments to focus on holistic care delivery without further stretching limited resources. HCPs were concerned about the possible additional administrative burden a postal box might create, and the public perception of an intervention which could reduce face-to-face care. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals seem receptive to the idea of a postal diabetes annual review box and feel it has the potential to offer people with diabetes an improved quality of care.