What are the development priorities for management of type 2 diabetes by general practitioners in Ningbo, China: a qualitative study of patients’ and practitioners’ perspectives

Objectives: To explore patient and general practitioner (GP)’s perspectives on primary care management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Ningbo, China. We aim to understand the current benefits and challenges, and to identify development priorities.Design: Exploratory qualitative descriptive study using face to face interviews and analysed by thematic, inductive analysis.Setting: 11 primary care facilities spread across the city of Ningbo, China.Participants: 23 Patients with T2DM and 20 GPs involved in caring for patients with T2DM.Results: GPs were considered the first point of contact, and providers of information. However, care varied; many GPs lacked confidence and felt overworked. Medication was a particularly weak area. Diagnostic screening was commenced late, leading to crisis presentations. Patients were variably informed about their condition, contributing to poor adherence. Conclusions: Future developments of primary care for T2DM in Ningbo should centre around improving GP confidence and workload, and patient education and adherence