Perceptions of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Towards Diabetes Management Visits at Public Primary Health Care Centers with Diverse Opinions Towards Nurse-led Clinics in Muscat, Oman: A Pilot Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES: The literature has described several positive outcomes related to diabetes management via nurse-led clinics. This is especially true where a shortage of physicians is recorded within a team-based approach. We sought to explore the perceptions of patients with type 2 diabetes towards the current diabetes management visits at public primary health care centers in Muscat, Oman and their opinions towards nurse-led diabetes management clinics. METHODS: This pilot qualitative study included seven semi-structured interviews with type 2 diabetes patients from four purposely selected public primary health care centers in Muscat. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied. RESULTS: Patients with type 2 diabetes expressed their satisfaction with the present diabetes management visits at public primary health care. Their opinions towards nurse-led clinic were diverse and divided patients into three categories: those who totally refused the nurse-led clinics, those who accepted the clinics but with reservations, and patients that totally accepted the nurse-led clinics. The patients’ main concern was the nurses’ abilities to handle and understand the disease and its management. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study revealed type 2 diabetes patients’ satisfaction with the current diabetes management clinics. However, transformation to nurse-led clinics within team-based approach requires further studies with a bigger sample size. Further studies on requirements related to the Omani health care system and a better understanding of patients’ worries and their readiness to accept the concept of nurse-led clinics and their outcomes are also recommended.