Abstract / Description of output
Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore views and experiences of online emotional support and aimed to evaluate an online diabetes emotional management prototype.
Method: Focus groups were conducted with both people with Type 2 diabetes (two groups, n = 10) and healthcare professionals managing people with Type 2 diabetes (two groups, n = 10). The groups adopted a ‘design walkthrough’ approach and ‘think aloud’ techniques. Analysis of the data was informed using principles of the constant comparative approach.
Results: Key themes identified suggested a strong need for emotional support and a need to normalise the emotional impact of Type 2 diabetes. Generally, healthcare professionals described a lack of provision for emotional support in primary care. Perceived barriers included time constraints, poor staff confidence and limited training. Findings from all focus groups suggested the misuse of the word ‘depression’ by healthcare professionals. Being incorrectly labelled as ‘depressed’ can create a sense of taboo for patients and may result to the provision of inappropriate care. Overall, information support, professional support and peer support were identified as important features for inclusion in online emotional management programmes.
Conclusion: This study highlights the strong need for online emotional support and confirms the applicability and acceptability of the Internet as a source for practical and emotional support in Type 2 diabetes. The findings can inform the design of future online self‐management programmes for Type 2 diabetes.
Method: Focus groups were conducted with both people with Type 2 diabetes (two groups, n = 10) and healthcare professionals managing people with Type 2 diabetes (two groups, n = 10). The groups adopted a ‘design walkthrough’ approach and ‘think aloud’ techniques. Analysis of the data was informed using principles of the constant comparative approach.
Results: Key themes identified suggested a strong need for emotional support and a need to normalise the emotional impact of Type 2 diabetes. Generally, healthcare professionals described a lack of provision for emotional support in primary care. Perceived barriers included time constraints, poor staff confidence and limited training. Findings from all focus groups suggested the misuse of the word ‘depression’ by healthcare professionals. Being incorrectly labelled as ‘depressed’ can create a sense of taboo for patients and may result to the provision of inappropriate care. Overall, information support, professional support and peer support were identified as important features for inclusion in online emotional management programmes.
Conclusion: This study highlights the strong need for online emotional support and confirms the applicability and acceptability of the Internet as a source for practical and emotional support in Type 2 diabetes. The findings can inform the design of future online self‐management programmes for Type 2 diabetes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | P459 |
| Pages (from-to) | 180 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Diabetic Medicine |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | S1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Mar 2018 |
| Event | Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2018 - London, United Kingdom Duration: 14 Mar 2018 → 16 Mar 2018 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Science & Technology
- Life Sciences & Biomedicine
- Endocrinology & Metabolism