Nurse practitioner-led group health visits aim to improve access to diabetes care in Prince Edward Island
Adults on Prince Edward Island who are living with Type 2 diabetes and do not currently have a primary care provider are invited to participate in a research study evaluating a new approach to delivering diabetes care.
Led by researchers at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in partnership with Health PEI, this study will examine the feasibility of nurse practitioner (NP)-led interprofessional group health visits as a model to improve access, continuity, and team-based care for individuals living with diabetes.
The study aims to determine whether this model of care can be implemented effectively and inform the design of future larger-scale trials. Findings from the study will help guide future approaches to improving diabetes care and access to primary care services for Islanders living with Type 2 diabetes.
“Nurse practitioners play an important role across clinical care, education, and research,” said co-principal investigator Dr. Rianne Carragher, nurse practitioner and an assistant professor in the UPEI Faculty of Nursing. “This study highlights the potential for NP-led models of care to improve access, strengthen continuity, and support high-quality, patient-centred care. As PEI continues to face challenges related to access and capacity, it is important to evaluate innovative approaches that fully leverage NP leadership and clinical expertise to better meet the needs of our Island community.”
Participants will attend a series of structured health visits delivered in a small group setting. Each session will include a clinical assessment, education, and peer support within a single visit. Participants should be comfortable in a group setting and have been seen by a member of the diabetes care team.
“By exploring group health visits for people living with diabetes who do not have a regular primary care provider, we are working to improve access, strengthen continuity, and deliver team-based care that meets the needs of our community,” said co-principal investigator and nurse practitioner Lindsay Metzger, a nurse practitioner with Health PEI. “This study reflects an important step in evaluating new approaches to care that can support improved health outcomes for Islanders.”
The study includes four group health visits over a 12-month period, with each visit lasting approximately 90 minutes. At the end of the study, participants will be invited to share feedback about their experience through a focus group.
Participants will be assigned to one of four groups and will remain with the same group throughout the study. Each group will include approximately eight participants, allowing time for individual care, education, and discussion with others living with Type 2 diabetes.
Each group visit will be led by an interdisciplinary team that includes a nurse practitioner, nurse, pharmacist, and dietitian, with access to social work support as needed. Participants will meet individually with members of the health-care team and take part in a group education session during each visit. Additional education and support will be provided through partnerships with UPEI’s kinesiology program and PEI Public Health Nursing.
All visits will be held at UPEI. Scheduled study dates (subject to change) are as follows:
• Visit 1: September 16 and 18, 2026
• Visit 2: December 9 and 11, 2026
• Visit 3: March 10 and 12, 2027
• Visit 4: June 9 and 11, 2027
• Focus Groups: June 16 and 18, 2027
Participation is voluntary. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrolment, and all information collected as part of the study will remain confidential.
Recruitment is being conducted through the Provincial Diabetes Program and supported by multiple outreach strategies, including clinic-based invitations, printed materials, social media, and local media promotion.
Individuals interested in learning more about the study or in participating can call 902-288-1775, email diabeteshealthvisitpei@gmail.com, or visit the NP-Led PEI Diabetes Group Health Visit Study Facebook page for more information.
