The Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals and Patients on the Value of Collaborative Care Model for Diabetes in Primary Healthcare Settings in Qatar

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the top health priorities in Qatar due to its high prevalence of 15.5%, which is projected to increase to 29.7% by 2035. DM management is still challenging despite healthcare advancement, warranting the need for a comprehensive Collaborative Care Model (CCM). Therefore, we aim to evaluate the value of CCM in DM care at a primary healthcare (PHC) setting in Qatar. Methodology: This study was a qualitative exploration of healthcare professionals' (HCPs') and patients' perspectives on the value of CCM provided at the center. Twelve patients and twelve HCPs participated in semi-structured one-to-one interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed and interpreted using a deductive coding thematic analysis process. Results: The interviews resulted in 14 different themes under the predefined domains: components of CCM (five themes), the impact of CCM (three themes), facilitators of CCM provision (three themes), and barriers of CCM provision (three themes). The majority of the participants indicated easy access to and communication with HCPs at QPDC. Participants appreciated the extra time spent with HCPs, frequent follow-up visits, and health education, which empowered them to self-manage DM. Generally, participants identified barriers and facilitators related to patients, HCPs, and healthcare system. Conclusion: The providers and users of CCM had an overall positive perception and appreciation of this model in PHC settings. Barriers to CCM such as unpleasant attitude and undesirable attributes of HCPs and patients, unsupportive hospital system, and high workload must be addressed before implementing the model in other PHC settings