Effectiveness of a Team-based Follow-up Program in General Practice Among People With Chronic Conditions

The epidemic proportion of lifestyle related non‐communicable diseases is a worldwide challenge and public health problem resulting in significant hospitalization rates, mortality and morbidity, and huge personal and societal costs. This project involves research for better public health and health outcomes acknowledging the need for improvements in the health‐care services in the prevention of risks and harm and better risk‐factor management. We will conduct a randomized control study in four GP practices with ≥3 GPs and ≥one nurse among 154 people at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) or manifest disease, and 154 people in the control group. Inclusion criteria are Diabetes Risc Calculator (FINDRISC) ≥ 15 or HbA1c ≥6,5 % or specific need for individualized follow up such as Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30. In addition, we will conduct a feasibility study among 30 people with risk for Chronic Pulmonary disease (COPD) or manifest disease. The study has the following two objectives: 1) to evaluate the effectiveness of a team‐based follow‐up program among people with risk for T2DM or manifest T2DM with the use of Guided Self‐Determination (GSD) as an empowerment approach for patients in general practice, 2) to test the feasibility and pilot a team‐based follow‐up program among people with risk for COPD or manifest COPD with the use of GSD as an empowerment approach for patients in general practice.