Family doctors’ attitudes toward peer support programs for type 2 diabetes and/or coronary artery disease: an exploratory survey among German practitioners

• DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01827-3
• Publication Date: 2022-08-31T04:04:36Z
• Authors: K. Majjouti; L. Küppers; A. Thielmann; M. Redaélli; F. Vitinius; C. Funke; I. van der Arend; L. Pilic; M. Hessbrügge; S. Stock; B. Weltermann; D. Wild
• Keywords: Medicine (General); Research; Medizin; Physicians, Family; Type 2 diabetes; Health behaviour change; Coronary Artery Disease; Primary care; Coronary artery disease; 03 medical and health sciences; Peer-education; R5-920; 0302 clinical medicine; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Surveys and Questionnaires; Quality of Life; Humans; Peer support program

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are chronic illnesses where adherence to a healthy lifestyle is crucial. If organisational and cultural factors are well managed, Peer support programs (PSP) can improve self-management, quality of life, and health outcomes. In preparation for launching a PSP, we surveyed family doctors (FD) about their attitudes toward such a program and about potential barriers, and facilitators.

Methods In March 2020 we surveyed 896 FDs from five university teaching practice networks in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, via an anonymous web-based survey. The questionnaire addressed details of PSPs, including suitable patients and FDs‘role. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics; qualitative material underwent content analysis by two researchers.

Results A total of 165 FDs responded (response rate: 18.4%), 97% were practice owners. Respondents viewed PSPs positively (T2D: 92.0%, CAD 89.9%), especially for patients with poor self-structuring (82.7%), low motivation (76.3%) and few social contacts (67.6%). On average, FDs were able to identify 4.0 ± 3.2 patients as potential group leaders. Major facilitators reported included motivation by peers (92.5%), exercise (79.1%), and social contacts (70.1%). Waning interest over time (73.1%) and poor motivation (70.9%) were considered barriers. The majority of FDs would recommend PSPs to their patients (89.5%). They considered such a program a valuable addition to current care (79.7%). The percentage of FDs’ who expected long-term benefits for their workload was relatively low (37.6%).

Conclusions In an exploratory survey among German FDs on PSPs, respondents viewed PSPs as a valuable add-on for T2D and CAD patients, while not expecting a positive impact on their workload. Communication with FDs on PSPs may need to highlight anticipated implementation outcomes such as benefits of PSPs to the practice.