Fairview not only promises patients safe and effective care but also care that is efficient and equitable. Fairview Eagan Clinic diabetic patients are experiencing this promise through shared medical appointments.

Using an innovative care grant from FPA, Fairview Eagan Clinic researched best practices and discovered shared medical appointments not only resulted in better patient care but also opened up scheduling for more same-day appointments.

So what is a shared medical appointment? Ten to twelve patients with a common medical condition are given the same appointment time. A medical assistant in a private exam room takes vital signs then the patient joins the rest of the group. When everyone is assembled, the medical assistant begins an education session that includes displaying everyone’s lab reports to be compared and discussed.

“Research tells us that diabetes is better controlled in a group setting because patients feel the support of others and experience peer pressure to keep them on the right track,” said Val Overton, N.P.

The physician joins the group and gives everyone a quick exam of heart and lungs and then begins talking about the specific control measures for their disease such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diet and exercise. During this time, patients hear where others are struggling and where they are having success. “Sometimes patients are uncomfortable starting a new medication when they are already on seven,” said Angela Fitch, M.D. “But when they realize someone else is having success on 12 medications they may feel differently about adding one more.”

Dr. Fitch also feels patients hear more information by listening to the questions of others and get more of her time. “Even though you are with ten other people during your appointment, it is a longer appointment and everyone around you is dealing with a common condition and what you learn from others can be invaluable.”

Patients aren’t the only ones that benefit from shared appointments. “Shared appointments enable me to educate my diabetes patients at once instead of repeating the same message ten or twelve times over several days,” said Dr. Fitch. “I also see ten patients in an hour and a half versus my three and when the shared appointment is over, the documentation is as well.”

Feedback from patients has been positive. “I hear over and over the great ideas that were learned and how hearing the stories of others was helpful,” said Val.

If the diabetes shared appointments continue to go well, the clinic may consider using the model for well child checks and anxiety and depression patients.