Patient and Clinician Perceptions of Prediabetes: A Mixed-Methods Primary Care Study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess patient and clinician perceptions of prediabetes in an academic family medicine practice. Data were collected in preparation for an implementation study to increase utilization of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (N-DPP).

Methods

In this mixed-methods study, discussions from 3 focus groups composed of patients with prediabetes were evaluated using thematic analysis for their understanding of and beliefs about prediabetes, care experiences, and attitudes toward N-DPP. Clinicians completed a Likert-scaled survey assessing attitudes and perceived barriers to providing prediabetes care.

Results

Among the 15 focus group participants, more than half were not aware of their diagnosis. Attitudes toward prediabetes were mixed: while many believed it was serious and elicited more fear than being “at risk,” others thought there were varying degrees of risk within the same diagnosis, making the diagnosis less impactful. Patients repeatedly expressed the perception that clinicians were not forthcoming about necessary behavior changes. Patients agreed on barriers to N-DPP, including scheduling and transportation. Clinicians (N = 31) concurred that patients lack awareness of their prediabetes diagnosis. They reported that time is available to screen all patients and that a prediabetes diagnosis is effective for advising patients of the need for lifestyle modification. There was consensus from both patients and clinicians that prediabetes is curable.

Conclusions

Increased patient awareness and patient-centered education is needed to overcome barriers to prediabetes care. To facilitate implementation of N-DPP referral processes, clinicians should clearly communicate risk, treatment information, and linkage to N-DPP as the suggested treatment plan.