Primary care insights on the management of diabetes: Results from a mixed method study of care changes and impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background In Canada, primary care manages most diabetes care. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted primary care, reducing access to care and monitoring. Objectives We aim to describe changes in diabetes monitoring during the first 21 months of the pandemic, patients' experiences with these changes, and impact on HbA1c and blood pressure (BP) control. Methods We conducted a two-phase mixed methods study: (i) A retrospective pre-post cohort study using de-identified electronic medical record data to compare HbA1c and BP measurement frequency and results in diabetic patients prepandemic (22 June 2018 to 12 March 2020) and during the pandemic (13 March 2020 to 3 December 2021); (ii) A qualitative descriptive analysis using semistructured interviews to understand patient experiences navigating diabetes care during the pandemic. Results The cohort included 84 617 patients with validated diabetes case definition. Proportion of patients with <1 HbA1c test increased by 10% during the pandemic. For those with ≥1 test, mean HbA1c remained unchanged [mean (SD) HbA1cPre: 7.2 (1.3); HbA1cDuring: 7.2 (1.3); P=.51]. Proportion of patients with <1 BP measurement increased by 23%. For those with ≥1 measurement, mean BP remained clinically similar [mean (SD) sBPPre: 131.8 (13.7); sBPDuring: 132.9 (15.2); P