Care Partner Support Following a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Intervention

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand care partner (CP) perceptions of an interdisciplinary diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) intervention and explore how the interdisciplinary DSMES intervention influences diabetes-specific day-to-day interactions from the CP’s perspective. Methods: A multiple-methods research design comprised of an online survey including demographics and supportive behaviors and a semistructured interview was conducted. The survey was completed by 16 CPs. Of the 16 CPs, 11 participated in semistructured interviews. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews was conducted. Results: CPs provided support in 3 primary areas: (1) meal planning and preparation (87.5%), (2) participating in physical activity (56.3%), and (3) assisting with technology (43.8%). The main themes described by CPs include (1) the importance of diabetes education for caregivers, including the information they retained from the program, the acquisition of tools to support the person with diabetes, and the desire for more and ongoing education; (2) diabetes education enhances the CP’s ability to provide social support and the challenges associated with support; and (3) partners described collaborative diabetes management such as finding middle ground and making changes together. Conclusion: CPs play a significant role in patient diabetes self-management by providing social support and partnership. DSMES programs should seek to include CPs to enhance patient support.

Association Between Types of Family Support and Glycemic Control for Adults With Cognitive Impairment

“…Similarly, Pamungkas et al found a positive decline in A1C when providing comfort and encouragement for older adults who face distress or frustration of their diabetes care due to cognitive impairment ( Pamungkas & Chamroonsawasdi, 2020 ). However, our findings related to other types of family support (e.g., medication management and meal planning) were inconsistent with the reported literature ( Mansfield et al, 2022 ). These diabetes self-management tasks may require unique knowledge and skills, indicating that family members of individuals with cognitive impairment may need additional support or training to better assist with such types of diabetes self-management.…”

“…Our findings indicate that strong family support in testing sugar and in handling feelings about diabetes was significantly associated with lower A1C, which is consistent with other reported studies ( Baig et al, 2015 ; Ritchie et al, 2020 ; Trief et al, 2016 ). Mansfield et al found that care partners played a significant role in patient diabetes self-management, particularly in making decisions about medication administration and glucose checks, meal planning and preparation, participating in physical activity, and assisting with technology ( Mansfield et al, 2022 ). Trief et al (2016) found that people with diabetes involved in a telephone educational offering with a partner had decreased depression compared with those receiving individual education.…”

Comparison of Metabolic, Lifestyle and Mental Health Parameters in People with Diabetes and Relatives with and without Family Support

“…Although they do more minutes of exercise per week, the days they exercise are the same as family members with support. 18 On the other hand, PDM have lower cholesterol levels, possibly due to having drug treatment, while unsupported family members have higher levels, as they do not seek medical care or check-ups if they do not have diabetes.…”

“…As a problem, they expressed difficulty in helping their PDM without being overwhelming or “bothering” them. 18 …”

“…As a problem, they expressed difficulty in helping their PDM without being overwhelming or "bothering" them. 18 Self-management practices in people with diabetes mellitus help prevent acute and chronic complications (these include diet changes, exercise program implementation, monitoring, medication adherence, and physician attendance). 2,8,22 Educational programs engage patients to accomplish tasks for their benefit.…”