Type 2 Diabetes Care Model by a Multidisciplinary Team, Patients and Caregivers Developed Using Concept Mapping Technique

Abstract

Objective: To determine type 2 diabetes care model for by a multidisciplinary team with patients and caregivers using concept mapping techniques. Methods: The research was a mixed-method study. Informants included 18 purposively selected health professionals in Hua Hin Hospital involved in taking care of diabetic patients and diabetic patients or their relatives, Data collection was conducted using both group and individual interviews. The informants could freely express their opinions on problems and causes leading to uncontrolled plasma glucose among people with diabetes, and suggest the solution for the problems. The researchers collected ideas and suggested solutions from all opinions in every informant, reviewed them and deleted the redundant ones. Subsequently, list of ideas was categorized and rated by the informants. The obtained data on rating were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: Brainstorming among participants generated 53 ideas on how to achieve better glycemic control goals among diabetes patients. Informant rating showed 22 ideas with high importance and possibility in practice. These ideas were grouped into 5 categories based on their related and similar contents, i.e.,1. modification of dietary behaviors, 2. the importance of controlling blood sugar levels and preventing complications, 3. Enabling access to patient care according to appropriate treatment guidelines and building social support; group, 4. techniques to promote medication adherence and self-care, and 5. advices on correct and safe use of medications that were easy-to-understand and appropriate to individual patients. Conclusions: A model of care for type 2 diabetic patients likely to achieve greater glucose control was developed by using concept mapping, resulting in a model suitable for diabetic patients of Hua Hin Hospital. From the view of health providers and service recipients, advices on correct use of medications were considered highly important and highly practical for achieving greater glucose control.