Simplicity, flexibility, and respect: preferences related to patient education in hardly reached people with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Individuals with lower income and less education are two to four times more likely to develop diabetes than more advantaged individuals. In response to this, there is a need for developing health promotion activities targeting hardly reached populations. The aim of this study was to examine the perspectives of hardly reached people with type 2 diabetes on patient education, focusing on their wishes and needs regarding format and approach. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with nine individuals with type 2 diabetes with little or no education and characterized as hardly reached patients by health professionals. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to systematic text condensation. We identified four main categories of preferences for patient education: 1) flexibility related to start time, duration, and intensity; 2) simple and concrete education tools, with regard to design and extent; 3) being together, related to meeting people in a similar situation; and 4) respectful educators, related to constructive patient–educator relationships. Insights into the preferences of hardly reached people with diabetes can contribute to the development of appropriately tailored patient education for this patient group.

The influence of diabetes distress on digital interventions for diabetes management in vulnerable people with type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study of patient perspectives

“…Likewise, the preference of vulnerable people with T2DM for a compassionate personal caregiver has been found in similar studies. One study of “hardly reached” people with T2D showed that disrespectful caregivers could add to the person’s experience of feeling stupid and distressed [46] . Conversely, a study of regular email interaction with a supportive personal caregiver could infer a sense of safety in people with T2DM [36] .…”

“…Some of these findings are consistent with our study, where the wrong choice of buddy could lead to an inappropriate lifestyle. Accordingly, we suggest a structured approach, where the caregiver may assist in choosing one or more supportive buddies [46] . The choice should include consideration of educational level, motivation of the buddy [11] , and the nature of the relation between the vulnerable person with T2DM and the buddy [48] .…”

Understanding the physical, social, and emotional experiences of people with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study

“…This is probably due to the patients’ beliefs regarding the disease,27 as well as the typical diet inherent to each culture28 and the carbohydrate content distinguished in the Mediterranean diet with respect to other diets. Patient ethnicity also has an influence on glycemic control 26.…”

Preferring to manage by myself: A qualitative study of the perspectives of hardly reached people with type 2 diabetes on social support for diabetes management

“…Given the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes and elevated risk of diabetes-related complications in people with low socioeconomic status, it is critical that diabetes care and education programmes support this population in optimal diabetes management. Reaching people with low socioeconomic status through diabetes self-management education programmes, however, poses a considerable challenge for the healthcare system as they attend support programmes less frequently than those with high socioeconomic status (Johansen, Skovbo, & Christiansen, 2012;Torenholt et al, 2015). Furthermore, they benefit less in regard to changing lifestyle and adhering to medical treatment than people with high socioeconomic status (Goldman & Smith, 2002;Koetsenruijter et al, 2016).…”