Healthcare professionals' experiences in identifying and supporting mental health problems in adults living with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes is associated with increased risk of mental health problems. The interaction presents a major clinical challenge as this co-morbidity leads to worse outcomes for both conditions however, many cases go undetected. To explore perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals in the identification and support provision of mental health problems in adults living with type 1 diabetes. Using a qualitative research design, fifteen health care professionals working in the United Kingdom were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using reflexive inductive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified relating to barriers: time, knowledge, relationship between services, and stigma. Three themes were identified related to facilitators: education, communication, and appropriate tools and services. This research emphasizes the need for educational tools to improve the skills and competency of healthcare professionals in identifying mental health problems in people with type 1 diabetes, highlighting practical and theoretical implications for healthcare improvements, and the necessity for additional research to design care pathways that better support this population in which all health care professionals are aware of.