Vol 7, No 6 (2006): Practical Diabetology
Research paper
Published online: 2006-10-18
Comparison of opinions specialists treating diabetes on psychosocial aspects of diabetes after 5 years of DAWN programme realization
Diabetologia Praktyczna 2006;7(6):396-404.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The fact that diabetes is poorly controlled
by the patients led to the introduction of DAWN (Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs) study in 2001 in 13 countries all over the world, including Poland. Study results show that psychosocial
aspects might be considered as one of the principal causes of unsatisfactory diabetes treatment results.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. To compare specialist doctor’s opinion on the role of psychosocial aspects of diabetes, a modified DAWN questionnaire was used in the study in 2006. 47 diabetes specialists participated in the study in 2001 and 53 in 2006.
RESULTS. The comparison of the above mentioned studies results indicates that according to the doctors’ opinion current patients compliance with the recommendations for their diabetes management has worsened and that depression symptoms, denial, burn-out are observed in a higher number of patients. According to the doctors’ opinion, patients with type 1 diabetes comply less with the recommendations regarding physical activities and regular visits in diabetes clinic, whereas patients with type 2 diabetes comply with the recommendations to a lesser extent in regard to taking their medication. The respondents have indicated that both the percentage of patients that do not understand the seriousness of diabetes is currently higher and the unwillingness to accept reality of diabetes have increased. From the doctors’ perspective, patients organize their daily life less effectively and health care providers support is considered inadequate in the case of a higher number of patients.
CONCLUSIONS. Study analysis shows that the doctors encourage patients to follow their recommendations to a lesser degree. However, it has been established that doctors, when addressing those patients who do not follow their recommendations, use start insulin therapy as a threat less frequently. In the doctors’ opinion, people with diabetes need significant psychological support whereas the doctors need further improvement of their skills of psychosocial intervention in diabetes treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. To compare specialist doctor’s opinion on the role of psychosocial aspects of diabetes, a modified DAWN questionnaire was used in the study in 2006. 47 diabetes specialists participated in the study in 2001 and 53 in 2006.
RESULTS. The comparison of the above mentioned studies results indicates that according to the doctors’ opinion current patients compliance with the recommendations for their diabetes management has worsened and that depression symptoms, denial, burn-out are observed in a higher number of patients. According to the doctors’ opinion, patients with type 1 diabetes comply less with the recommendations regarding physical activities and regular visits in diabetes clinic, whereas patients with type 2 diabetes comply with the recommendations to a lesser extent in regard to taking their medication. The respondents have indicated that both the percentage of patients that do not understand the seriousness of diabetes is currently higher and the unwillingness to accept reality of diabetes have increased. From the doctors’ perspective, patients organize their daily life less effectively and health care providers support is considered inadequate in the case of a higher number of patients.
CONCLUSIONS. Study analysis shows that the doctors encourage patients to follow their recommendations to a lesser degree. However, it has been established that doctors, when addressing those patients who do not follow their recommendations, use start insulin therapy as a threat less frequently. In the doctors’ opinion, people with diabetes need significant psychological support whereas the doctors need further improvement of their skills of psychosocial intervention in diabetes treatment.
Keywords: diabetesDAWN studypsychosocial support