title: Understanding the nutrition care needs of patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes: a need for open communication and patient-focussed consultations.
abstract: Patients who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) commonly attempt to modify their dietary intake after receiving nutrition care from primary health professionals. Yet, adherence to dietary recommendations is rarely sustained and factors influencing adherence are poorly understood. This study explored T2DM patients' experiences of dietary change and their views on how primary health professionals can best support long-term maintenance of dietary change. A purposive sample of 10 individuals recently diagnosed with T2DM participated in three individual semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews: at baseline, then at 3 and 6 months after recruitment. Interview questions were modified from the initial interview in order to investigate emerging findings. A two-step data analysis process occurred through content analysis of individual interviews and meta-synthesis of findings over time. Participants initially made wide-ranging attempts to improve dietary behaviours, but most experienced negative emotions from the restraint required to maintain a healthy diet. Participants felt confused by the conflicting advice received from health professionals and other sources such as friends, family, internet and diabetes organisations. Participants frequently reported feeling rushed and not heard in consultations, resulting in limited ongoing engagement with primary healthcare services. These findings suggest that there is opportunity for primary health professionals to enhance the dietary support provided to patients by: acknowledging the challenges of sustained improvements in dietary intake; open communication; and investing in patient relationships through more patient-focussed consultations.
authors.affiliation: Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.affiliation: Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Davmor
authors.affiliation: School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leveritt
authors.affiliation: Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Desbrow
authors.affiliation: Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ehrlich
authors.affiliation: Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chaboyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D044623:Nutrition Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research