Understanding the role of primary care in the diabetes care pathway: the views of service providers caring for South Asian populations in the UK

Exploring the experiences of service providers who look after South Asian and white European people with diabetes is a necessary step in achieving culturally competent services and in helping to reduce inequalities in outcomes for South Asian people. This qualitative study sought to explore how service providers viewed the progress made in improving access to quality primary care for South Asian and White European people with recently diagnosed diabetes. Service providers were recruited from three UK study sites (Luton, West London and Leicester). A semi-structured qualitative interview was conducted with 14 staff members, and a thematic analysis of the data produced is reported. It was found that services had developed through different approaches at each of the three study sites to improve access for different ethnic groups; however, the role and responsibility of primary care, and in particular GPs, was emphasised. Although national quality improvement initiatives for diabetes have contributed to local service improvements, they have not maximised all opportunities to improve access within primary care. Service provider research can highlight areas that can be developed to improve quality diabetes care across all ethnic groups.