Understanding the nutrition care needs of patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes: a need for open communication and patient-focussed consultations
Lauren Ball A C , Ruth Davmor A , Michael Leveritt B , Ben Desbrow A , Carolyn Ehrlich A and Wendy Chaboyer A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Qld, Australia.
B School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Qld, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: l.ball@griffith.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 22(5) 416-422 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY15063
Submitted: 28 April 2015 Accepted: 18 August 2015 Published: 5 October 2015
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.
Additional keywords: chronic disease, general practice, primary care, nutrition therapy, nutritional management.
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