Retention in group-based diabetes care programs: a multiple-case study design

Abstract

Group-based programs have the potential to help patients manage their diabetes and prevent complications. However, participant retention has been identified as one of the major issues hampering these programs. Previous empirical studies have identified factors related to retention, such as age and body mass index. However, there has been little investigation on the factors that contribute to retention in group-based diabetes programs. This study explored the perspectives of diabetes program educators on the factors that lead to participant retention in group-based diabetes programs. A qualitative multiple case study design was employed to understand retention factors across six purposefully selected group-based diabetes programs. Diabetes educators participated in a one-time, in-depth, semi-structured phone interview. Data was analyzed inductively using within and cross-case thematic analysis. Four major themes were identified that impact retention in these programs, including individual factors, logistical factors, social factors, and program factors. The findings of this study shed insight on the factors impacting participant retention across group-based diabetes programs. These findings have the potential to inform diabetes educators on how to improve retention in ongoing or future diabetes programs.