Qualitative Exploration of Geospatially Identified Bright Spots and Priority Areas to Improve Diabetes Management.

Authors

Elaine Banerjee MD, MPH, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Susan E. Hansen MA, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Nicole M. Burgess, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Kyle Shaak BS, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Melanie B. Johnson MPA, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Autumn Kieber-Emmons MD, MPH, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2022

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) results in significant morbidity and mortality and is associated with disparities in prevalence, treatment, and outcomes. GIS can identify geographically based disparities. In the focused Rapid Assessment Process (fRAP)-a novel mixed-method study design-GIS is combined with qualitative inquiry to inform practice interventions and policy changes.

METHODS: Using fRAP, areas with poor T2DM outcomes (priority areas) as well as areas with positive T2DM outcomes (bright spots) were identified, focus groups were conducted, and responses analyzed for intervention opportunities. Focus group participants were English- and Spanish-speaking patients with T2DM living in one of the identified areas. Qualitative analysis consisted of initial coding with a priori themes from the focus group question guide, followed by identification of emergent themes within each defined category.

RESULTS: The a priori categories included Facilitators, Barriers, Strategies, and Impact of Diabetes Diagnosis. Emerging recurrent themes were Interactions with Medical Professionals, Medications, Lifestyle Management, Family Motivators and Support, Self-Efficacy, and Social Needs and Community Resources.

CONCLUSIONS: Thematic results from focus groups can be used by practices to improve T2DM care through educating patients about chronic disease and nutrition, connecting them to diabetes-specific services, learning how diabetes fits in the context of patient lives, and eliciting patient values and motivations to improve diabetes self-management. Findings also may be used by health care professionals to inform community-based advocacy efforts, interventions, and future research.

Volume

13

ISSN

2150-1327

Published In/Presented At

Banerjee, E. S., Hansen, S. E., Burgess, N., Shaak, K., Johnson, M., & Kieber-Emmons, A. (2022). Qualitative Exploration of Geospatially Identified Bright Spots and Priority Areas to Improve Diabetes Management. Journal of primary care & community health, 13, 21501319221126281. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319221126281

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

36345171

Department(s)

Department of Family Medicine, Network Office of Research and Innovation

Document Type

Article