Duncan’s Dr. Maggie Watt is using a unique new gang approach to seeing patients who are giving the group method a big thumbs up.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” said diabetic Wendy Sangara, who’s been Watt’s patient for some six years.

“You get together and get to know other people going through the same things you are,” the Maple Bay resident said of Watt’s way of treating a group of diabetics.

“I call them workshops. I find reinforcement from everyone else is good.”

Watt’s workshops are part of Practice Support Programs of the General Practices Services Committee supported by the B.C. Medical Association and the health ministry.

Watt indicated strength-in-numbers allows patients to share feelings about what works and what doesn’t in a trusting, social circle while maximizing burnt-out doctors’ precious time.

The program was developed in fall 2008 through the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

“I started doing group medical visits about a year ago and I’ve run them for patients with hypertension and diabetes,” Watt said.

“It’s basically a different way of delivering an office visit.”

She sees up to a dozen folks in one shot. Sessions can involve her office RN and perhaps medical students or a guest to talk about patients’ shared maladies.

For diabetics, Watt may invite a diabetes education nurse and a dietician.

“Basically, this model is a more efficient way to deliver care to that group with similar questions and challenges.

“We also educate them about their illness and doctors spend more time with people in a more relaxed setting.”

Rather than seeing one patient for 15 minutes, Watt sees a group for 1 1/2 hours when nurses can take blood pressure and do blood work.

Group patients are OK with sharing private matters too.

“Patients tell us things you would not believe,” Watt said, “but what’s shared in the group, stays in the group and people are aware of that from the beginning.”

Other Cowichan physicians are also using the group method that includes patient follow-ups.

About 30 of Watt’s patients dealing with diabetes and hypertension have been involved so far.

“It’s small numbers but response has been excellent,” she said.

“This has also gotten our office staff involved in patient care.

“I just show up and everything’s organized.”

The flock-doctor method also eases pressure on Watt’s practice.

“My workload is much better and my professional self-satisfaction is much increased.

“Patients love it and learn they’re not the only ones experiencing this program. I envision increasing and doing this for prenatal, chronic kidney disease, and heart disease.”

The group approach also makes visits more efficient and spreads care, said Dr. Bill Cavers, chair of GP Services shared by the BCMA and the ministry.

“One-on-one can be inefficient because some people have similar concerns.”

But the group way isn’t for everyone, Cavers noted.

“Some people wouldn’t join anything if you paid them to.”

Still, he’s glad doctors and patients are trying new ways to boost treatment.

“We have to learn to work smarter.”

Group sessions make economic sense too.

Instead of seeing a number of patients in a period of time she sees a group. “She’s breaking about even”

The average fulltime GP in B.C. has about 2,400 patients, he said.