What are the development priorities for management of type 2 diabetes by general practitioners in Ningbo, China: a qualitative study of patients’ and practitioners’ perspectives

OBJECTIVES: To explore patients’ and general practitioners’ (GPs’) perspectives on primary care management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Ningbo, China. We aimed to understand the current benefits and challenges and to identify development priorities. DESIGN: Exploratory qualitative descriptive study using face-to-face interviews and analysed by thematic, inductive analysis. SETTING: 11 primary care facilities spread across the city of Ningbo, China. PARTICIPANTS: 23 patients with T2DM and 20 GPs involved in caring for patients with T2DM. RESULTS: GPs were considered the first point of contact and providers of information. However, the care varied, and many GPs lacked confidence and felt overworked. The medication was a particularly weak area. The diagnostic screening commenced late, leading to crisis presentations. Patients were variably informed about their condition, contributing to poor adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Future developments of primary care for T2DM in Ningbo should centre around improving GP confidence and workload and patient education and adherence.