title: Discrete choice as a method for exploring education preferences in a Danish population of patients with type 2 diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine preferences among patients with type 2 diabetes for content and format of patient education.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using discrete choice methods, we surveyed patients about their preferences for patient education. We investigated preferred content and format regarding education on living well with diabetes, preventing complications, healthy eating, exercising, and psychosocial issues related to diabetes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We obtained usable responses from 2187 patients with type 2 diabetes. Acquiring competencies to live a fulfilling life with diabetes, adjust diet and exercise habits, and prevent complications was significantly more highly valued than was simply being informed about these topics. Patients preferred to be involved in the planning of their diabetes care and valued individually tailored content higher than prescheduled content. Women and younger patients found diet and exercise significantly more important than did men, and patients with poorly controlled diabetes valued all education and support more highly than did patients in better control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with type 2 diabetes prefer to be actively involved in educational activities, to develop competencies to prevent and manage complications, and to involve their social network in supporting them.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future patient education should enhance participation and competence development and include relatives.
authors.affiliation: Steno Health Promotion Center, Steno Diabetes Center, Gentofte, Denmark.
authors.forename: Michaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schiøtz
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bøgelund
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Almdal
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Willaing
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003718:Denmark; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010358:Patient Participation; D057240:Patient Preference; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin