Type 1 diabetes patients' experiences of, and need for, social support after attending a structured education programme: a qualitative longitudinal investigation

Abstract

Health professionals including diabetes specialist nurses and dietitians should explore: patients' access to and preferences for social support; how patients might be encouraged to capitalise on social support postcourse; and new ways to inform/educate people within patients' social networks.

A cluster randomised trial, cost-effectiveness analysis and psychosocial evaluation of insulin pump therapy compared with multiple injections during flexible intensive insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes: the REPOSE Trial

“…Indeed, when they were interviewed after their courses and 6 months later, patients in both arms reported very similar benefits and improvements to their lives. For example, patients in both arms -like other DAFNE graduates who have taken part in longitudinal qualitative research 154 -reported a renewed enthusiasm for managing their diabetes after attending their courses and being more open to discussing aspects of their condition and self-management practices with family and friends. As a consequence, patients also discussed being more open to seeking and accepting support from these family members and friends.…”

Improving management of type 1 diabetes in the UK: the Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating (DAFNE) programme as a research test-bed. A mixed-method analysis of the barriers to and facilitators of successful diabetes self-management, a health economic analysis, a cluster randomised controlled trial of different models of delivery of an educational intervention and the potential of insulin pumps and additional educator input to improve outcomes

“…However, some patients also reported that their parents struggled to provide relevant support because the DAFNE approach ran counter to historic and out-of-date ways in which they had been taught to manage their child's diabetes. 81 Educators also recognised that patients often wanted one-to-one follow-up support from DAFNE-trained health professionals to be available as and when needed but also described the difficulties that this would incur for their already busy work lives. Aware of constraints on their time, several educators suggested establishing regular DAFNE-specific drop-in clinics that patients could attend without an appointment to seek support and clarification on course-related topics.…”

“…In addition, patients reported an increased use of family support networks after their course, largely because of their own and others' increased enthusiasm for diabetes management. 81 To support patients effectively, members of these networks could also benefit from instruction on course-recommended approaches to managing (mild) hypoglycaemia. 78 Also, given that family/partners are often involved in food preparation, they might also benefit from training in CP counting.…”

Discussion of Challenges in Engaging Urdu/Punjabi Speak People with Type 2 Diabetes in Structured Group Patient Education Using Interpretation and Established Educational Tools in Two Health Boards in Scotland

“…The key focus of the group is to promote learning and understanding of a condition with a view to supporting someone self-manage. The group normally ends when the formal education is completed although on-going support may be required [33]. The education is predominantly health care profession led although the method of delivery of education is very variable.…”

“…Hence, there may be a place for education being offered to a cultural group, even although all attendees might not actually benefit from the specific education. However, the extended group would provide the much needed social support normally required to embed changes in self-management [33]. Hence the group provides the social support that is needed [16].…”