title: Conceptualizations of patient empowerment among individuals seeking treatment for diabetes mellitus in an urban, public-sector clinic.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The patient empowerment paradigm has been promoted as a critical component of diabetes care. The present study explores how patients in an urban, public-sector clinic perceive patient empowerment as it applies to their treatment, interactions with clinicians, and self-care behaviors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 individuals and analyzed through an inductive approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patient empowerment was described as taking responsibility for self-care behaviors. Participants reported they that must be internally driven to maintain their self-care regiment, and placed moral value on their performance. Some participants asked questions during healthcare encounters, but fewer reported setting the agenda or making meaningful decisions regarding their care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gaps in individuals' perception of empowerment were identified, along with barriers such as frustration, fatigue, financial concerns, transportation, and scheduling difficulties.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing patient empowerment in socially disadvantaged settings will require careful communication to elicit questions, present all available treatment choices, and encourage individuals to take responsibility without placing blame on them for instances of poor glycemic control.
authors: Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
authors: Claire
authors: C
authors: Ramsay Wan
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Vo
authors: Catherine S
authors: CS
authors: Barnes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011209:Power, Psychological; D017150:Public Sector; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013637:Tape Recording; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin