Do physicians understand Type 2 diabetes patients' perceptions of seriousness; the emotional impact and needs for care improvement? A cross-national survey

Abstract

Objective: To explore across countries the extent to which physicians understand Type 2 diabetes patients' perceptions of seriousness, worries about complications, emotional distress, and needs for care improvement.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected in a multinational survey (SHARED). Type 2 diabetes patients (n=1609), general practitioners (n=818) and diabetes specialists (n=697) from eight countries were included. Data were gathered online and via telephone interviews. Responses from patients and professionals were compared using descriptive statistics and multilevel analyses.

Results: Patients generally perceived diabetes as a serious condition and reported moderate distress. Physicians tended to underestimate patients' perceived seriousness, while overestimating their level of distress. Physicians had difficulty estimating which diabetes complications concerned patients most, and what they needed to feel more confident about their diabetes. Patients did not wish for more consultation time, but rather active involvement, information and easy access to their physician.

Conclusion: Results of this large survey highlight the importance of patient involvement and shared decision making.

Practice implications: Further improvement of patient-provider communication as a basis for shared responsibilities and achieving optimal treatment outcomes is needed. With the growing numbers of diabetes patients worldwide, task delegation should be considered, in the framework of a multidisciplinary diabetes care model.