Insights into optimising education for patients living with diabetes mellitus: A model for the post‐pandemic era, informed by survey data

Abstract

Background Patient education represents the key element in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and has changed dramatically during the last 3 years. Uptake of structured education is poor, and patient perception of received education varies greatly. The purpose of this study was to assess patients’ perception of adequacy of delivered education, barriers to attending structured courses and preferences for ongoing DM‐related education. Methods Patients living with Type 2 DM attending diabetes clinics were invited to complete a questionnaire about their understanding of DM, adequacy of offered education and desired features of future courses, following their clinic appointment at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). Those interested (n = 146) completed this questionnaire. Results Participants’ mean age was 58.2 years (standard deviation [SD] 13.6, median 59, interquartile range [IQR] 50–66), mean body mass index 34.5 Kgm–2 (SD 9.1, median 33.7 Kgm–2, IQR 29.8–41.7) and duration of T2DM was 13 years (SD 10, median 10 years, IQR 3–19). Thirty‐one per cent of participants received no education at the time of their diagnosis with 51% of participants reporting no ongoing DM‐related education. Thirty‐seven per cent of participants did not understand the meaning of HbA1c. Preference for face‐to‐face versus remote delivery of DM‐related education was roughly split, with 51% preferring the former. Attention to self‐compassion and mental health needs were identified as key elements currently missing from DM‐related education. Conclusion The provision of DM‐related education pre‐pandemic did not meet patients’ needs. Gaining insight and understanding into the gaps within current DM‐related educational provision and patient preferences for its delivery are key strategies in the development of reformed DM‐related education that will ultimately equip patients with improved self‐management skills.

Know diabetes by heart: Education about the linkage between cardiovascular disease and diabetes

“…Finally, Hanson et al (2022) identified patient preferences in delivery methods for diabetes education session. They found that preferences for diabetes education were almost equally divided between those preferring in-person education and those preferring virtual education opportunities.…”

Back to the Beginning: Diagnosis Experiences of Persons with Type Two Diabetes

“…A study by Goff [17] found that care providers in London caring for African-Caribbean patients felt additional training in cultural competence would improve the delivery of care to T2DM patients, while lack of consideration, or understanding, of a patients' culture was considered a hindrance in a New Zealand study [18]. Language, cultural, and religious competence add to positive interactions, realistic goal-setting, and tailored treatment plans [19][20][21]. The American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics issued a joint statement in 2015 recommending treatment tailored to individuals and shared decision-making.…”