Keywords: type 2 diabetes, follow-up system, primary health care, chronic disease management

Background:

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has emerged dramatically across world in last decades. Evidence-based global guidelines direct the treatment of T2D. Nevertheless, we do not know what kind of follow-up system will provide the best clinical response for patients with T2D. In addition, many elements such as a variety of health care systems and financing, culture, role division of health care professionals, and available resources influence the treatment in clinical practice.
It is important to gather and describe these practices to provide good care for patients with T2D. Comparing clinical practices in organizing T2D treatment supports health care professionals to improve the operation of own country’s system. The aim of this study is to use a cross-sectional survey to gather new insights on the implementation of T2D treatment at the clinical practices level across Europe.

Research questions:

1. How are the clinical practices of T2D treatment organized across Europe?
2. Which underlying system-based elements have influence on these clinical practices?

Method:

A cross-sectional digital survey among primary care physicians across Europe will be conducted. The survey will be guided to European General Practice Research Network collaborators in each participating country. The survey will cover relevant topics for the clinical practices of T2D treatment. Data will be analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Informed consent will be obtained from all respondents in a questionnaire.

Results:

The study will provide new insights on the organization of T2D treatment and clinical practices in different European countries.

Conclusions:

This data can be used in developing systems and sharing information in the treatment of chronic disease requiring longitudinal care relationship.

Points for discussion:

How can a representative sample be collected so that it is sufficient, but allows for a consensus to be formed across different countries?

What are the underlying factors affecting the frequency of follow-up?

Are the T2D clinical outcomes available nationally in every country?