https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2671-1041
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ABSTRACT
Background: The number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide, including Sweden, has increased. To strengthen the patient’s empowerment and thus improve their ability to take care of their own health, patient education in self-care management plays a central role in diabetes care.
Purpose: The specific aim in this study was to describe patients’ experiences of group-based education using the Taking charge of one’s life with type 2 diabetes model.
Methods: A qualitative approach with a phenomenological lifeworld perspective was used. The study was based on group and individual interviews and reflection books.
Results: The group-based education model made it possible for the patients to learn through reflection concerning their own and others’ experiences. The learning that occurred with support from the group reflections and the reflection books contributed to the understanding of the complexity of the illness. This increased the motivation and desire to be responsible for the treatment and implementation of habits. The group contributed to a sense of belonging and community that inspired a continued and active learning.
Conclusion: The results showed that from the patients’ perspective, this didactic model was both suitable and appreciated, supporting and facilitating learning.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Practice implication and future research
The primary application of this approach is to support the learning process for those living with a lifelong illness such as diabetes. This study highlights the importance of practical applications of models drawn from research. The didactic model can be useful in making care more person-centered and in achieving learning that challenges patients to take charge of their own care.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Anna Kjellsdotter
Anna Kjellsdotter, PhD, is working as a Research manager at Research and Development Centre, Skaraborgs hospital Skövde, Sweden. She also working as a Program Coordinator at the Clinical Nursing Introduction Program at Skaraborg Hospital. Her research interest focus on patients´experiences of living with longterm illness and patient education with a personcentred approach is a key part. Her research interests include transition process into nursing profession for newly graduated nurses.
Mia Berglund
Mia Berglund is a registered nurse with a PhD in caring science. The focus of her research is on the phenomenon learning in living with long-term illness and to develop support for this learning, in aim to support health and well-being. Her research interests include students and health professionals learning, with particular focus om reflection and supervision in groups. Mia is an Associate Professor in Nursing at the University of Skövde, Sweden.
Elisabeth Jebens
Elisabeth Jebens, MSc. She is currently working as a specialist nurse in Diabetes care, Primary Health Care Center, Stenstorp, Sweden.
Jennie Kvick
Jennie Kvick, MSc. She is currently working as a specialist nurse in Diabetes care, Primary Health Care Center Mösseberg, Falköping, Sweden.
Susanne Andersson
Susanne Andersson, PhD. Susanne is working as a senior lecturer at Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden. Her research is about diabetes and the increased risk of developing diabetes, with special interest in preventing and preventing the diabetes disease. This means that the symptoms, the health of the patients, the screening process and the experience of living with the increased diabetes are in focus. The research is performed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Patient Education from a life-world perspective is a key part of the research.