Implementation of a diabetes prevention programme in a multi-ethnic community in primary care in England: An evaluation using constructs from the RE-AIM Framework

Aims: To implement a diabetes prevention programme in primary careMethods: The programme was implemented for 12 months in two neighbouring towns, served by eight general practices. Practices requested a referral pathway involving an external administrator running electronic searches and sending postal invitations. If interested, people called and booked a place on the programme. Practices were also provided with resources to refer people directly. Six Educators were trained to deliver the programme. The RE-AIM constructs Adoption, Reach and Uptake were assessed.Results: All practices engaged in the searches and postal invitations. Overall, 3.9 % of those aged & GE; 25 years had an HbA1c level indicative of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH) and were invited. Overall uptake (attended as percentage of invited) was 16 % (practice range 10.5-26.6 %) and was highest in two practices where the invitation was followed by a telephone call. Four people were referred directly by their practice. Groups at risk of being excluded were the Bengali population and those unable to attend because of issues such as health, mobility and frailty.Conclusions: Comprehensive electronic searches meant everyone previously diagnosed with NDH was invited to attend. Follow-up telephone call improved uptake and providing practices with resources to make these calls themselves would likely increase uptake further.

Automated summary

This study aimed to implement a diabetes prevention programme in primary care. By using a combination of electronic searches and postal invitations, the participation rate was successfully improved. In addition, providing resources for direct referrals also proved to be effective. However, attention should be given to certain groups, such as the Bengali population and those unable to participate due to health issues or mobility difficulties.