Managing type 2 diabetes is a multifaceted challenge that involves not only medical treatment but also the physical, emotional, and financial burdens it places on individuals. These burdens can significantly impact patients’ well-being, making it crucial for healthcare providers, particularly general practitioners (GPs), to recognize and address them effectively during consultations. This study, conducted in China, explores how GPs identify and respond to treatment burdens during patient consultations, offering valuable insights into the complexities of managing type 2 diabetes.
The study analyzed 29 video-recorded GP-patient consultations that took place between 2018 and 2019 in a primary care clinic in China. The goal was to examine how GPs and patients discussed the treatment burdens associated with managing type 2 diabetes. Researchers reviewed these consultations to identify specific burdens and the strategies GPs used to address them. The study highlights that the treatment burden of diabetes is not just about medication but encompasses a range of issues, including personal resources, medical information, and administrative burdens.
A key finding from the analysis was that the majority of the discussions related to treatment burden occurred when patients initiated the conversation. Specifically, in 38.96% of the segments, the patient brought up the issue of treatment burden, but the GP did not respond. In contrast, in 37.66% of the cases, the GP took the lead in initiating and responding to discussions about treatment burden. In 23.38% of the segments, the patient initiated the discussion, and the GP responded to it. This suggests that while GPs play a role in addressing treatment burdens, patients are often the ones to bring these concerns to the forefront, highlighting the importance of patient engagement in the process.
Medication was identified as the most significant component of treatment burden, both by patients and GPs. This finding is not surprising, given the complexity of diabetes management, which often involves multiple medications with varying dosages and schedules. Patients may struggle to adhere to their medication regimen due to side effects, forgetfulness, or confusion about how to take their medications. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a sense of being overwhelmed, further exacerbating the overall burden of managing the condition.
In addition to medication, other treatment burdens identified in the study included personal resources, medical information, and administrative tasks. Personal resources refer to the time, energy, and financial resources required to manage diabetes, including the need for regular doctor visits, lab tests, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. The burden of managing these aspects can be particularly challenging for patients who have limited access to healthcare or who face financial constraints. Medical information, such as understanding the complexities of the disease and treatment options, also emerged as a significant burden. Patients often feel overwhelmed by the volume of information they must process, and GPs must be prepared to provide clear, concise explanations to help patients navigate their treatment plan. Administrative burdens, such as dealing with insurance claims or navigating the healthcare system, also contribute to the overall treatment burden.
The findings from this study underscore the importance of GPs being attuned to the various dimensions of treatment burden in diabetes care. While GPs are often aware of the medical aspects of diabetes management, they may not always recognize the broader challenges that patients face. Tailored responses to these challenges are essential to improving patient engagement and reducing barriers to care. For example, GPs can help alleviate the burden of medication management by providing clear instructions, simplifying regimens when possible, and offering support for managing side effects. Additionally, GPs can work with patients to identify resources and strategies to address personal, financial, and administrative burdens.
In conclusion, the study highlights the complex nature of treatment burdens in managing type 2 diabetes and the need for GPs to adopt a holistic approach to care. By recognizing and addressing the physical, emotional, and financial challenges patients face, GPs can help improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall burden of managing the disease.
