How do patient attendees rate virtual group education: Our initial findings?

ABSTRACT

Aim: To understand how patients find the experience of attending virtual group education during the covid-19 pandemic. Method: Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) programmes for people with or at risk of type 2 diabetes were adapted for virtual delivery in late May 2020, so UK and Ireland DESMOND providers could implement virtual groups during covid-19. 14 DESMOND providers distributed online surveys at the end of each group;either via chat functions or follow-up emails. A range of questions were included rating how participants had found the experience before and during attendance. The responses were all entered anonymously and automatically analysed by the online survey software. Results: To date 147 responses have been received with an average overall experience rating of 4.7 out of five was given. 97% reported finding it easy to log into their virtual group. 92% were happy to attend virtually rather than waiting to attend in-person. 93% felt able to express how they were feeling about their type 2 diabetes. 93% were able to keep up with the information provided. 90% reported feeling part of a group. 94% reported making a plan to make a lifestyle change with 68% focusing on weight loss/maintenance and 19% on HbA1c. 97% would recommend attending. Conclusion: Although implementation is in early stages these initial findings suggest those who attend a virtual DESMOND group find the overall experience positive. It is envisaged that virtual means of group delivery will now become part of diabetes education provision permanently.