Objective: The objective of this study was to explore patients' learning and support needs within contemporary diabetes care to help them deal with daily life challenges.
Design: A qualitative descriptive design was used following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies. The 15 individual face-to-face interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.
Setting: Participants were drawn from three healthcare centres in rural and urban regions of West Sweden.
Participants: The study involved 15 patients (8 men, 7 women) with T2DM who experienced contemporary diabetes care.
Results: Patients expressed a strong desire for access to person-centred, multidimensional learning, with a focus on genuine partnership, tailored education, and emotional engagement. Digital tools were seen as valuable aids in their self-care efforts. Sub-themes were 'Desiring genuine partnership and tailored patient education' and 'Needing support related to altered perspectives on life and awareness of care standards but with finite care resources'.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that integrating person-centred, multidimensional learning strategies into diabetes care could be beneficial, particularly when addressing both practical and emotional needs. Encouraging active patient engagement through flexible digital solutions and providing support for emotional well-being may improve the overall patient experience. However, further research and practical application are needed to fully understand how these strategies could be effectively implemented to support patients with T2DM in managing their daily health challenges.
Keywords: Diabetes specialist nurse; diabetes care; eHealth; patient experiences; professional–patient relations; work-integrated learning.
The participants desired multidimensional learning and person-centred care according to their capabilities and needs.The participants wanted to be acknowledged as capable persons who contributed to care when encouraged by professionals.Cross-checking and comparing information from multiple sources are common approaches to consider in future diabetes care.