Abstract
BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a demanding condition that impacts the person living with the condition physically and psychologically. Promoting emotional support is a key strategy to improve diabetes care.AimTo explore the views and experiences of people with T2DM and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on emotional support in diabetes care, and identify barriers and facilitators to the provision of emotional support in clinical practice.Design & settingA qualitative study in England with data collected from four focus groups.MethodFocus group discussions were conducted with people with T2DM (n = 10) and HCPs (n = 10). The analysis was informed by the framework method and principles of the constant comparative approach.ResultsEmotional support was lacking in diabetes primary care, and there was a need to normalise the emotional impact of T2DM. Barriers to emotional support included: lack of HCP confidence to discuss emotional issues; lack of counselling training; and time constraints in consultations. Inappropriate use of the word ‘depression’ creates a sense of taboo for those experiencing emotions other than depression.ConclusionConsensus between the two target groups indicated a strong need to integrate emotional support in diabetes care, and the need to support and train HCPs in addressing psychosocial aspects of T2DM. Shared language is recommended across diabetes services to appropriately refer to wellbeing. Addressing barriers and considering ways to incorporate emotional management in diabetes consultations is recommended, includings introducing HCP training to increase confidence and enhance counselling skills.
Highlights
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health issue that impacts individuals physically and psychologically
Emotional support was lacking in diabetes primary care, and there was a need to normalise the emotional impact of T2DM
How this fits in Despite the recent movement to encourage the provision of emotional support in type 2 diabetes care, this support remains scarce in UK primary care
Summary
T2DM is a major global health issue that impacts individuals physically and psychologically. Despite initiatives to improve emotional support for individuals with diabetes in the UK, a recent survey of 8596 people from 17 countries (including the UK), indicated that only one-third of people with diabetes are asked by their healthcare team about their psychological wellbeing.[8] Previous qualitative findings suggest that the availability of emotional support for people with T2DM is limited, and that HCPs lack the skills to address emotional issues in consultations.[9,10] HCPs may not receive appropriate training in the management of psychological aspects of T2DM, and may be unable to address any issues of wellbeing.[8]. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a demanding condition that impacts the person living with the condition physically and psychologically. Promoting emotional support is a key strategy to improve diabetes care
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