# The effectiveness of a community-orientated model of primary care for type 2 diabetes compared to standard care

## TL;DR

A community-based approach to diabetes care in South Africa improved patient outcomes compared to standard care.

## Contribution

This study evaluates a COPC model for type 2 diabetes in South Africa, where local evidence is limited.

## Key findings

- Patients in the COPC model had lower HbA1c levels and better BMI outcomes than those in standard care.
- COPC showed higher adherence to diabetes care standards, including more frequent urine and renal tests.
- COPC patients had significantly better foot and eye examination rates compared to standard care patients.

## Abstract

Non-communicable diseases constitute the primary cause of mortality in South Africa, surpassing infectious diseases. Among these, diabetes mellitus is the second leading cause of death. Although local literature on community-orientated primary care (COPC) remains limited, international evidence supports its effectiveness.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a COPC model for adults with type 2 diabetes compared to the standard facility model of care.

The Chiawelo COPC (Chiawelo Community Practice) and Chiawelo Community Health Centre (CHC) in Soweto, South Africa.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. File records of adults with type 2 diabetes from both models of care were examined for patients’ glycaemic control and clinicians’ adherence to evidence-based diabetes standards of care.

Chiawelo COPC (CCP) outperformed the CHC over the investigation period. Mean patient HbA1c at Chiawelo COPC (CCP) was lower than the CHC (7.9%, 8.9%; p < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) (75%, 36%; p < 0.001), urine tests (74%, 42%; p < 0.001) and renal function assessments (95%, 80%; p < 0.05) showed superior results at the COPC practice. Differences were observed in examinations of feet (61%, 1%; p < 0.001) and eyes (38%, 1%; p < 0.001). Adherence discussions were more frequent at COPC (63%, 48%; p < 0.05).

The COPC model is more effective than the standard facility-based model in managing type 2 diabetes in the Chiawelo community, Soweto.

This study contributes to understanding the effectiveness of a COPC model for diabetes care in a South African community.