RIPPLE-C study wrapping up

The RIPPLE-C study is beginning to wrap up. The first results manuscript was published in May 2024. This study used national electronic medical record data from the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) to investigate changes in primary care patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results identified reductions in care that required in-person visits in the first year of the pandemic, although overall contact with family practice remained consistent.   

The qualitative portion of the study, led by Meredith Vanstone and Andrea Carruthers, has concluded. This work was completed as part of a mixed methods study investigating patient experiences with changes to their diabetes care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from this study showed that frequency of HbA1c and blood pressure measurements were reduced during the pandemic, with an increased reliance on patient self-monitoring and self-management. Despite less frequent testing, no meaningful change in mean HbA1c score and blood pressure results were identified. Findings on chronic disease management were presented at CAHSPR 2024.  

Finally, the team is examining changes in care for mental health issues, including depression, using the CPCSSN EMR data.