Participant and (future) provider experience of Shared Medical Appointments - effective, efficient and empowering.

Abstract

Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs, also known as Group Consultations) are a transformative model of healthcare delivery which places those with lived experience at the centre. SMAs have been found to be a positive experience with patients and providers due to peer support; greater time to address needs; increased health literacy; a dismantling of the doctor patient hierarchy. The implementation of SMAs clinically in Australia is nascent. Our aims were 1.To develop a clinical service programme utilising the SMA model of healthcare delivery to improve metabolic health. 2.To examine biomedical parameters before and after the programme. 3.To determine participant satisfaction with this model of care. 4.To explore the perspective of future providers (medical students) on SMA as a clinical tool.