Reflections on the Diabetes Self‐Management Alliance Workshop: providing better emotional support in diabetes routine care

Abstract

Abstract Optimal diabetes self‐management requires the balancing of physical, behavioural and psychological health. Although ownership lies with the person living with diabetes, the interaction and relationship between the individual and their health care professionals play a key role in achieving that outcome. This paper presents key summaries generated from the 6th International Diabetes Self‐Management Alliance conference workshop, exploring barriers to emotional support in routine diabetes care. In particular, we explored barriers around: (a) not having sufficient time during consultations to routinely address emotional well‐being; (b) the lack of confidence expressed by health care professionals in their ability to have emotional conversations with their patients; (c) training, bringing a focus to a more person‐centred approach for existing service models; and (d) the fear of opening Pandora's Box and discovering complex or emotionally overwhelming topics. The aim of this practice point paper is to provide a platform for researchers and policymakers to further explore these barriers and generate ideas to inform future research aimed at improving the landscape of emotional support in diabetes care. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.