The Development and Evolution of Group Medical Visits at UW Health.

INTRODUCTION

Chronic disease management presents substantial challenges for both patients and health care providers, often limited by time, resources, and operational complexities. Group medical visits (GMVs) at UW Health have evolved as a collaborative intervention, combining clinician-led care with peer support to address chronic conditions such as chronic pain, heart disease, anxiety, and more.

METHODS

This program evaluation explores the development and characteristics of GMVs at UW Health through a qualitative approach, utilizing interviews, observations, and questionnaires to analyze GMV practices across multiple UW Health clinics.

RESULTS

The findings highlight key themes, including a sense of community through group support, clinician satisfaction, the innovative structure of GMVs, wellness-based content, integrative facilitation of care, and areas for improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

As GMVs continue to evolve, enhancing support mechanisms, refining recruitment strategies, and expanding access will be crucial for optimizing their impact on chronic disease management. These insights offer valuable learnings for UW Health and other institutions seeking to refine and expand GMVs.