Insights into optimising education for patients living with diabetes: A model for the post-pandemic era, informed by survey data.
Gotts, C Parmar, D Deo, R Whyteoshodi, D Hanson, P O'Hare, P J Randeva, H Barber, T
Gotts, C
Parmar, D
Deo, R
Whyteoshodi, D
Hanson, P
O'Hare, P J
Randeva, H
Barber, T
Abstract
Aims: Patient education represents the key element in the management of diabetes (DM). Uptake of structured education is poor and patient perception of received education varies greatly. This study aimed to assess patients' perception delivered education, barriers to attending structured courses and preferences for ongoing DM-related education.
Method(s): Patients living with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes clinics were invited to complete a questionnaire about their understanding of diabetes, adequacy of offered education and desired features of future courses, following their clinic appointment at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). Those interested (n = 146) completed this questionnaire.
Result(s): Participants' mean age was 58.2 years (SD 13.6, median 59, interquartile range [IQR] 50-66), mean body mass index 34.5 kg m-2 (SD 9.1, median 33.7 kg m-2, IQR 29.8-41.7) and duration of type 2 diabetes was 13 years (SD 10, median 10 years, IQR 3-19). Thirty-one per cent of participants received no education at the time of their diagnosis with 51% of participants reporting no ongoing DM-related education. Thirty-seven per cent of participants did not understand the meaning of HbA1c. Preference for face-to-face vs remote delivery of DM-related education was roughly split, with 51% preferring the former. Attention to self-compassion and mental health needs were identified as key elements currently missing from DM-related education.
Conclusion(s): The provision of DM-related education pre-pandemic did not meet patients' needs. Gaining insight and understanding into the gaps within current DM-related educational provision and patient preferences for its delivery are key strategies in the development of reformed DM-related education that will ultimately equip patients with improved self-management skills.
Affiliations
Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Warwick, United Kingdom; Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals, Coventry and Warwickshire, United Kingdom; Department of Health Psychology, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Facilities, Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry and Warwickshire, United Kingdom; Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Date
2025-02-01
Type
Conference Output
Collections
Citation
Diabetic Medicine. Conference: Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2025. Glasgow . 42(Supplement 1) (no pagination), 2025.