Digital Quality Monitoring for Type 2 Diabetes in Swiss Primary Care: Qualitative Interview Study
Journal
Journal of Medical Internet Research
Type
Article
Date Issued
2026-05-12
Author(s)
;
Ackermann, Lola Jo
;
Principe, Marinja
;
Meier, Simon
;
;
Gallani, Susanna
;
Brändle, Michael
;
;
Jovanova, Mia
Abstract
Background:
General practitioners (GPs) manage most type 2 diabetes (T2D) cases worldwide but face increasing workloads. To support guideline-based T2D care, the Swiss Society of Endocrinology and Diabetology (SSED) developed a quality monitoring tool for GPs to track and document patient clinical outcomes, such as glycated hemoglobin testing, blood pressure measurement, and diabetes-related complications in primary care. By aggregating these elements, the SSED score provides a structured way to assess adherence to recommended standards of diabetes care. Although this approach shows promise for improving health outcomes, the score is currently available in paper format and creates an additional administrative burden for physicians.
Objective:
This study examined challenges in T2D management in Swiss primary care, assessed limitations of the current SSED quality score, and identified strategies to enable the potential digital implementation and wider adoption of a digital SSED quality score in routine practice.
Methods:
A total of 38 qualitative interviews were conducted with 39 participants, representing 4 stakeholder groups relevant to digital T2D care: health care professionals (n=12), individuals with T2D (n=12), software developers (n=10), and health insurer representatives (n=5). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Participants highlighted persistent challenges in T2D management, including time pressure for health care professionals, fragmented care, and a lack of personalized support for individuals with T2D. Barriers to digital quality monitoring included poor integration with GP systems, misaligned incentives, and limited relevance to multimorbidity. Suggested facilitators included embedding digital tools, such as a digital SSED score, into existing workflows, optimizing task shifting for GPs, integrating patient-centered features, and improving data sharing.
Conclusions:
A digital SSED score could support GPs by integrating patient-entered data, generating automated alerts, and enabling pharmacy-based follow-up. Successful adoption is likely to depend on GP workflow integration, system interoperability, and aligned incentives. Involving stakeholders early is essential to ensure that new digital tools meet the needs of both individuals with T2D and GPs.
General practitioners (GPs) manage most type 2 diabetes (T2D) cases worldwide but face increasing workloads. To support guideline-based T2D care, the Swiss Society of Endocrinology and Diabetology (SSED) developed a quality monitoring tool for GPs to track and document patient clinical outcomes, such as glycated hemoglobin testing, blood pressure measurement, and diabetes-related complications in primary care. By aggregating these elements, the SSED score provides a structured way to assess adherence to recommended standards of diabetes care. Although this approach shows promise for improving health outcomes, the score is currently available in paper format and creates an additional administrative burden for physicians.
Objective:
This study examined challenges in T2D management in Swiss primary care, assessed limitations of the current SSED quality score, and identified strategies to enable the potential digital implementation and wider adoption of a digital SSED quality score in routine practice.
Methods:
A total of 38 qualitative interviews were conducted with 39 participants, representing 4 stakeholder groups relevant to digital T2D care: health care professionals (n=12), individuals with T2D (n=12), software developers (n=10), and health insurer representatives (n=5). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Participants highlighted persistent challenges in T2D management, including time pressure for health care professionals, fragmented care, and a lack of personalized support for individuals with T2D. Barriers to digital quality monitoring included poor integration with GP systems, misaligned incentives, and limited relevance to multimorbidity. Suggested facilitators included embedding digital tools, such as a digital SSED score, into existing workflows, optimizing task shifting for GPs, integrating patient-centered features, and improving data sharing.
Conclusions:
A digital SSED score could support GPs by integrating patient-entered data, generating automated alerts, and enabling pharmacy-based follow-up. Successful adoption is likely to depend on GP workflow integration, system interoperability, and aligned incentives. Involving stakeholders early is essential to ensure that new digital tools meet the needs of both individuals with T2D and GPs.
HSG Classification
contribution to practical use / society
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
JMIR Publications Inc.
Volume
28
Subject(s)
Division(s)