title: Diabetes care: Opinions, needs and proposed solutions of Swiss patients and healthcare professionals: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore, both among patients with diabetes and healthcare professionals, opinions on current diabetes care and the development of the "Regional Diabetes Program".
  
  
  METHODS
  We employed qualitative methods (focus groups - FG) and used purposive sampling strategy to recruit patients with diabetes and healthcare professionals. We conducted one diabetic and one professional FG in each of the four health regions of the canton of Vaud/Switzerland. The eight FGs were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was then undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed variability in the perception of the quality of diabetes care, pointed to insufficient information regarding diabetes, and lack of collaboration. Participants also evoked patients' difficulties for self-management, as well as professionals' and patients' financial concerns. Proposed solutions included reinforcing existing structures, developing self-management education, and focusing on comprehensive and coordinated care, communication and teamwork. Patients and professionals were in favour of a "Regional Diabetes Program" tailored to the actors' needs, and viewed it as a means to reinforce existing care delivery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients and professionals pointed out similar problems and solutions but explored them differently. Combined with coming quantitative data, these results should help to further develop, adapt and implement the "Regional Diabetes Program".
authors.affiliation: Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (IUMSP), Lausanne University Hospital, 17 Rue du Bugnon, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland. Isabelle.Peytremann-Bridevaux@chuv.ch
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Peytremann-Bridevaux
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lauvergeon
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mettler
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Burnand
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000628:therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology