Implementation of the Diabetes Community Exercise and Education Programme (DCEP) for the management of type 2 diabetes: qualitative process evaluation.

Objectives: To examine context-specific delivery factors, facilitators and barriers to implementation of the Diabetes Community Exercise and Education Programme (DCEP) for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework.

Design: A qualitative evaluation embedded within the DCEP pragmatic randomised controlled trial. Data collected via focus groups and interviews and analysed thematically.

Setting: Community-based in two cities (Dunedin and Invercargill) in the lower south island of New Zealand.

Participants: Seventeen adults diagnosed with T2D attending DCEP and 14 healthcare professionals involved in DCEP delivery.

Intervention: DCEP is a twice weekly session of exercise and education over 12 weeks, followed by a twice weekly ongoing exercise class.

Results: While our reach target was met (sample size, ethnic representation), the randomisation process potentially deterred Māori and Pasifika from participating. The reach of DCEP may be extended through the use of several strategies: promotion of self-referral, primary healthcare organisation ownership and community champions. DCEP was considered effective based on perceived benefit. The social and welcoming environment created relationships and connections. People felt comfortable attending DCEP and empowered to learn. Key to implementation and adoption was the building of trusting relationships with local health providers and communities. This takes time and care and cannot be rushed. Training of staff and optimising communication needed further attention. To maintain DCEP, delivery close to where people live and a generic approach catering for people with multiple chronic conditions may be required.

Conclusions: For success, lifestyle programmes such as DCEP, need time and diligence to build and maintain networks and trust. Beyond frontline delivery staff and target populations, relationships should extend to local healthcare organisations and communities. Access and ongoing attendance are enabled by healthcare professionals practicing in a nuanced person-centred manner; this, plus high staff turnover, necessitates ongoing training.

Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12617001624370.