CLINICAL QUESTION: Does implementing a shared medical appointment where older patients with diabetes receive additional information and social support improve clinical outcomes for this population in this primary care office?

PROJECT PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot project is to implement and evaluate a group visit model for 10 elders between the ages of 65-75 years with a current diagnosis of type2 diabetes who have been seen at least twice in the past 12 months with documentation of a recent (past 3-6 months) Hemoglobin A1c level that is greater than 7.0%. Participants must be able to read and write in English; patients who are blind or deaf or cognitively impaired are not eligible for the program. As this is a pilot, the patients will meet monthly for 3 months. In between the monthly meeting a phone call from the NP will be implemented 2 weeks after each group visit to address individual concerns and discuss their progress. This ensures 6 contacts with a provider over the 3 month program.

DATA COLLECTION: Participants will fill out a survey to capture demographic data (age, gender, ethnicity, years of diabetes). Participants will also complete the Geriatric Depression scale at the first meeting and a program evaluation at the end of the last session. The most current A1c value will be extracted from the EMR as described in the project's consent form. The clinical outcomes of interest include: A1c, blood pressure, weight, BMI, depression score [ratio level variables] are measured at baseline and end of program, patient satisfaction [ordinal scale variables] and adverse events such as hypoglycemia [qualitative] are measured only at the end of the program. In addition, a foot exam will be conducted, and a reminder for the annual eye exam will be documented along with the self-reported attainment of patient's specific behavioral goals [categorical/nominal - did they achieve their goal or goals]. These goals are evaluated at the end of the program.

WHAT MIGHT BE AN APPROPRIATE DATA ANALYTIC PLAN FOR THIS DNP PROJECT? Hypothesis? Null Hypothesis? Alternative hypothesis? Independent variable? Dependent Variable? Level of measurements for each? Appropriate statistical analysis tests for this project, and why?