Is diagnosis of type 2 diabetes a "teachable moment"? A qualitative study

Citation

Dimcheva Dimova E, Swanson V & Evans JMM (2020) Is diagnosis of type 2 diabetes a "teachable moment"? A qualitative study. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 164, Art. No.: 108170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108170

Abstract
Aims To explore the potential of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis to be a “teachable moment”. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants (10 people with type 2 diabetes, 13 relatives of people with type 2 diabetes) in Scotland, UK. They explored cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes following diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in oneself or in a relative. Data were analysed using Framework approach. Results Strong emotional responses are not always related to the occurrence of a teachable moment. Risk perception and outcome expectancy were found to be teachable moment factors for patients with type 2 diabetes and their offspring, but not their partners. Change in self-concept increases the likelihood of type 2 diabetes diagnosis to be a teachable moment for patients but not for relatives. In some cases, type 2 diabetes is perceived as incompatible with current roles thus hindering diabetes self-management. Relatives often engage in caring for patients and “policing” their behaviour but did not report perceived changes in social roles. Conclusions The study suggests that diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is a teachable moment for some patients and their relatives. These findings have implications for interventions to address diabetes self-management in patients and primary prevention in their relatives.

Keywords
Type 2 diabetes; teachable moment; patients; relatives; interviews

Journal
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice: Volume 164

People

Professor Vivien Swanson

Professor, Psychology