Evaluating Group Medical Visits to Improve Care for Adults with Dyslipidemia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of group medical visits GMVs for patients with dyslipidemia, a key factor in most cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to implement GMVs in a primary healthcare clinic to improve lifestyle habits and access to care. GMVs involve group appointments that provide health assessments, education, prescriptions, and referrals, which may help reduce pressure on the healthcare system and improve patient outcomes. The study will follow the RE-AIM framework to assess how well GMVs are implemented and their effects on patients and healthcare providers. The intervention group will participate in a series of GMVs lasting 9 to 12 months, with eight sessions of 90 to 120 minutes each. These sessions will be delivered to groups of 8 to 12 patients by family physicians, dietitians, kinesiologists, and psychologists trained in GMVs. Sessions focus on lifestyle medicine related to dyslipidemia management, including goal setting, education, activities, and social interaction, with brief individual consultations if needed. The usual care group will continue with regular follow-up and may join GMVs after the study ends. Participants will be assessed through questionnaires before and after GMVs to measure changes in knowledge, self-efficacy, behavior intentions, and actual behaviors. Clinical outcomes such as lipid profiles and hospitalizations will be compared between groups using medical records. Researchers will also evaluate how many patients participate, representativeness, healthcare provider attitudes, and the quality and maintenance of GMVs. The study is expected to last several years, with ongoing monitoring of service delivery and willingness to continue GMVs.

Group Medical Visits for Patients With Dyslipidemia