The most significant effect observed is with the change from baseline results .
Some evidence suggests post-intervention and change from baseline systolic blood pressure improvement at the nine to twelve month interval and change from baseline improvement at the 4 year timeframe .
There is no evidence that group visits improve LDL cholesterol values of the group visit participants .
IMPLICATION S FOR PRACTICE The evidence suggests that the most powerful model of Group medical visits ( GMV ) is when a clinician prescriber is present during or immediately after GMV sessions for medication reconciliation or individual patient needs .
BACKGROUND The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is ubiquitous .
Complications and costs of diabetes are rising and are depleting limited re sources .
It is imperative for healthcare professionals and patients alike to confront this chronic condition by exploring new interventions .
An innovative health care delivery model has emerged in the last 25 years in the form of the group medical visit .
Group medical visits can range from of six to twenty patients scheduled together with time allotted for individual care as well as in the group setting .
ROMEO: rethink organization to improve education and outcomes.
AIMS Scarcity of re sources , expertise and evidence -based models have so far limited delivery of patient-centred diabetes education . We have developed and vali date d a group care approach that is applicable to everyday clinical practice and cost-effective in improving metabolic control , knowledge of diabetes , health behaviours , and quality of life in Type 2 diabetes . A clinical trial ( ROMEO ) was planned to evaluate applicability and reproducibility of group care in other out patients facilities and assess its impact on a larger patient population . METHODS Multicentre , r and omized , controlled clinical trial of group vs. individual care in the routine management of Type 2 diabetes . Nine hundred patient aged < 80 , with diabetes of > or = 1 year known duration , treated by either diet alone or diet and oral agents , will be recruited in 15 centres and followed for 4 years .  Training of physicians , nurses and dietitians included preparation of operating manual and videos , interactive sessions , and evaluation of local facilities and re sources . RESULTS PRIMARY MEASUREMENTS 3-monthly HbA1c , fasting blood glucose , body weight , waist-hip ratio , yearly blood lipids , and bi-yearly assessment of knowledge of diabetes , health behaviours and quality of life . SECONDARY OUTCOMES systolic and diastolic blood pressure , evaluation of ECG for ischaemia and QT interval , hypoglycaemic and anti-hypertensive medication and cardiovascular events . Analysis will be by intention-to-treat . DISCUSSION If ROMEO confirms that group care can be successfully implemented in different clinics , a novel clinico-pedagogic tool will have been acquired to support patient-centred education , improve lifestyle and outcomes , support team work , enhance providers ' attitudes and competencies and ameliorate diabetes care organization
The most significant effect observed is with the change from baseline results .
Some evidence suggests post-intervention and change from baseline systolic blood pressure improvement at the nine to twelve month interval and change from baseline improvement at the 4 year timeframe .
There is no evidence that group visits improve LDL cholesterol values of the group visit participants .
IMPLICATION S FOR PRACTICE The evidence suggests that the most powerful model of Group medical visits ( GMV ) is when a clinician prescriber is present during or immediately after GMV sessions for medication reconciliation or individual patient needs .
BACKGROUND The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is ubiquitous .
Complications and costs of diabetes are rising and are depleting limited re sources .
It is imperative for healthcare professionals and patients alike to confront this chronic condition by exploring new interventions .
An innovative health care delivery model has emerged in the last 25 years in the form of the group medical visit .
Group medical visits can range from of six to twenty patients scheduled together with time allotted for individual care as well as in the group setting .