The diabetes annual review in a postal box: A qualitative study exploring the views of people living with diabetes (DiaBox‐Qual)

Aim The diabetes annual review is an important part of clinical care. Non‐attendance is increasingly common and associated with poor health outcomes. At‐home self‐collection of blood tests, urine samples and anthropometric data through a postal box may facilitate engagement. We aimed to explore the views of people living with diabetes on the use of a postal box as an alternative to usual care for self‐collecting blood samples, urine samples and anthropometric data and to understand whether the availability of a postal box would facilitate the uptake of the diabetes annual review. Methods We conducted semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with adults who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a high representation of infrequent attendees of annual review appointments within the study population. Transcripts were collated and analysed thematically. Results Twenty participants took part including eight infrequent attendees. All infrequent attendees and most regular attendees responded positively to a postal box, with convenience being the most prominent value described. Concerns raised related to capability of self‐collection and the accuracy of results. Participants were asked for suggestions to improve the postal box. The most common themes related to communication; needing clearer information about each test in the postal box; feedback of results; and utilising the box to communicate priorities for discussion at future consultations. Conclusion Postal boxes for annual reviews were well‐received by those living with diabetes. Designed well, they have the potential to overcome more than just the physical barriers to annual review attendance.