Patients', caregivers', and providers' perceived strategies for diabetes care.
OBJECTIVE
To explore strategies to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management among low-income and minority groups.


METHODS
Focus groups centered on T2DM self-care behaviors were conducted using convenient sample of patients with T2DM (N = 17), caregivers (N = 5) and healthcare providers (N = 15).


RESULTS
Patients and caregivers perceived strategies included improving patient-provider communication, providers' accessibility and compassion, and flexible clinic hours. Strategies identified by providers were realistic patient's expectations, family support, and community resources.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this study is the first to elicit strategies to improve T2DM self-management through a joint meeting of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Study findings could help inform future efforts to assist patients better manage their T2DM.
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA. sakohoue@mmc.edu.
Sylvie A
SA
Akohoue
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA.
Kushal
K
Patel
Department of Public Health, Health Administration and Health Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, USA.
LeMonica L
LL
Adkerson
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Director, Vanderbilt Center for Health Services Research, Nashville, TN, USA.
Russell L
RL
Rothman
D017028:Caregivers; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000592:standards*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups; D011203:Poverty; D012648:Self Care / Q000592:standards*