Ann Jorunn Herre1, Marit Graue2,3, Beate-Christin Hope Kolltveit4, Eva Gjengedal5,6. 1. Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Voss Hospital, Haukeland University Hospital, The Western Norway Region Health Authority, Voss, Norway. 2. Faculty of Health and Social Science, Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, The Western Norway Region Health Authority, Bergen, Norway. 4. Vossevangen Medical Centre, Voss, Norway. 5. Department of Global Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. 6. Faculty of Health and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway.
Abstract
AIMS: The purpose of the study was to gain new knowledge about how people experience participating in diabetes self-management courses with other people with type 2 diabetes and how they perceive this influences their health and ability to self-manage the disease. METHODS: We conducted five focus groups with 22 people with type 2 diabetes who had participated in a group-based diabetes self-management course. We systematically coded the data and analysed them using Knodel's method. FINDINGS: Participants gained more nuanced and specific knowledge by participating in a group setting. They increased their theoretical and practical understanding of how to handle diabetes in everyday life. The diabetes self-management course made the participants more aware of having a disease they had to take more seriously. Learning by being in the situation while guided by professionals was useful. In addition, the participation learned from each other by carrying out real tasks in a context with others struggling with similar treatment demands. They wished more room to perform practical tasks and more independent activity. Further, they suggested to make parts of the course accessible online. Still, it was noted that web-based solutions cannot replace the practical parts or the dialogue between the participants. They expressed both a need and a wish for a refresher course. CONCLUSION: This study underscored that the participants learned through concrete experience, and by trying out practical tasks by becoming part of the diabetes community. They felt safer regarding their own treatment by experiencing a variety of situations in real-life scenarios.
AIMS: The purpose of the study was to gain new knowledge about how people experience participating in diabetes self-management courses with other people with type 2 diabetes and how they perceive this influences their health and ability to self-manage the disease. METHODS: We conducted five focus groups with 22 people with type 2 diabetes who had participated in a group-based diabetes self-management course. We systematically coded the data and analysed them using Knodel's method. FINDINGS:Participants gained more nuanced and specific knowledge by participating in a group setting. They increased their theoretical and practical understanding of how to handle diabetes in everyday life. The diabetes self-management course made the participants more aware of having a disease they had to take more seriously. Learning by being in the situation while guided by professionals was useful. In addition, the participation learned from each other by carrying out real tasks in a context with others struggling with similar treatment demands. They wished more room to perform practical tasks and more independent activity. Further, they suggested to make parts of the course accessible online. Still, it was noted that web-based solutions cannot replace the practical parts or the dialogue between the participants. They expressed both a need and a wish for a refresher course. CONCLUSION: This study underscored that the participants learned through concrete experience, and by trying out practical tasks by becoming part of the diabetes community. They felt safer regarding their own treatment by experiencing a variety of situations in real-life scenarios.
Authors: Jorge R Miranda-Massari; José R Rodríguez-Gómez; Michael J González; Carlos Cidre; Jorge Duconge; Heriberto Marín; Kazuko Grace; Howard L McLeod Journal: Int J Diabetes Res Date: 2016