Adding the patient's voice to our understanding of collaborative goal setting: How do patients with diabetes define collaborative goal setting?

'We don't have to do it together': a qualitative study of physiotherapists' and patients' perceptions about collaborative goal setting in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The adoption of Collaborative Goal Setting (CGS) is limited in most rehabilitation settings in Nigeria despite its recommendations in clinical practice guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the perceptions of physiotherapists and patients about CGS at a tertiary healthcare facility in Ibadan, Nigeria.

METHODS

We conducted focus group discussions among purposively selected physiotherapists (n = 8) and patients (4 stroke survivors, 3 patients with brain injury) to qualitatively explore their perceptions. Audio-taped discussions were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified four themes around CGS which were: 1) paternalistic view of goal setting; 2) physiotherapists as goal setters; 3) perceived benefits of collaborative goal setting; and 4) barriers and facilitators to CGS. The physiotherapists articulated goals as expected outcomes from treatment and believed they were better poised and experienced to determine what patients could achieve during each phase of treatment. Patients' view of goal setting agreed with the physio-therapists', as they also opined that goal setting is the responsibility of physiotherapists. Time constraint, inadequate knowledge and the inability of patients to appropriately articulate their goals and expectations from treatment were barriers to CGS. Concerns about who to collaborate with when dealing with patients with impaired cognition and/or disorders of consciousness were raised by the physiotherapists. Participants in both groups indicated that education on how to set patient-oriented goals could facilitate CGS.

CONCLUSIONS

Though rarely practiced, participants agreed that collaborative goal setting could be beneficial. Both the physiotherapists and patients require education on how to appropriately collaborate in setting goals of rehabilitation.

Personalised care and support planning in Singapore: qualitative interviews with people living with diabetes

BACKGROUND

Personalised care and support planning (CSP) is a person-centred approach for the care of people living with long-term conditions. Patient Activation through Community Empowerment/Engagement for Diabetes Management (PACE-D) adapts the Year of Care Partnerships (YOCP) approach to CSP in the UK for people living with diabetes at Singapore polyclinics. Polyclinics are multi-storey primary care hubs that provide affordable, multidisciplinary, comprehensive, and high-throughput public health care for the multi-ethnic, multilingual Singapore population.

AIM

To explore the experience of PACE-D-enrolled people living with diabetes with personalised CSP at Singapore polyclinics.

DESIGN & SETTING

Qualitative interviews of people living with diabetes who experienced personalised CSP at National University Polyclinics (NUP) in Singapore between July 2020 and November 2021.

METHOD

PACE-D-enrolled people living with diabetes who experienced personalised CSP were purposively sampled. In-depth semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients participated in the study. Four main themes were identified. Theme 1 was the importance of the care-planning letter. Patients reported that the CPL prompted reflection and patient preparation for CSP conversations. Theme 2 was the role of the programme coordinator. PACE-D programme coordinators amplified self-management by playing advocate and confidant beyond administrative duties. Theme 3 was the value of the personalised CSP conversation. CSP providers were perceived as partners in care, with more time to listen compared with usual consultations. Patient engagement was affected by language confidence. Theme 4 was agency in self-management. With adequate time and support, patients increased in confidence and agency both in CSP engagement and diabetes self-management.

CONCLUSION

While language confidence may affect patient engagement, personalised CSP shows promise for strengthening patient engagement and self-management among people living with diabetes at Singapore polyclinics.

Setting Goals to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: A Retrospective Chart Review of a Pharmacist-Led Initiative in the Workplace

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the second leading cause of death in Canada with many modifiable risk factors. Pharmacists at a Canadian university delivered a novel CVD risk management program, which included goal-setting and medication management. Aim: This study aimed to describe what CVD prevention goals are composed of in a workplace CVD risk reduction program, and how might these goals change over time. Methods: A longitudinal, descriptive qualitative study using a retrospective chart review of clinical care plans for 15 patients enrolled in a CVD prevention program. Data across 6 visits were extracted from charts (n = 5413 words) recorded from May 2019-November 2020 and analyzed using quantitative content analysis and descriptive statistics. Results: Behavioural goals were most popular among patients and were more likely to change over the 12-month follow-up period, compared to health measure goals. Behavioural goals included goals around diet, physical activity (PA), smoking, medication, sleep and alcohol; health measure goals centered on weight measures, blood pressure (BP) and blood lipid levels. The most common behavioural goals set by patients were for diet (n = 11) and PA (n = 9). Over time, goals around PA, medication, alcohol and weight were adapted while others were added (e.g. diet) and some only continued. Patients experienced a number of barriers to their goal(s) which informed how they adapted their goal(s). These included environmental limitations (including COVID-19) and work-related time constraints. Conclusions: This study found CVD goal-setting in the pharmacist-led workplace wellness program was complex and evolved over time, with goals added and/or adapted. More detailed qualitative research could provide further insights into the patient-provider goal-setting experience in workplace CVD prevention.

Comparison of Collaborative Goal Setting With Enhanced Education for Managing Diabetes-Associated Distress and Hemoglobin A1c Levels: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent and morbid condition. Poor engagement with self-management can contribute to diabetes-associated distress and hinder diabetes control.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of Empowering Patients in Chronic Care (EPICC), an evidence-based intervention to improve diabetes-associated distress and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels after the intervention and after 6-month maintenance.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This hybrid (implementation-effectiveness) randomized clinical trial was performed in Veterans Affairs clinics across Illinois, Indiana, and Texas from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017. Participants included adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c level >8.0%) who received primary care during the prior year in participating clinics. Data collection was completed on November 30, 2018, and data analysis was completed on June 30, 2020. All analyses were based on intention to treat.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants in EPICC attended 6 group sessions based on a collaborative goal-setting theory led by health care professionals. Clinicians conducted individual motivational interviewing sessions after each group. Usual care was enhanced (EUC) with diabetes education.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome consisted of changes in HbA1c levels after the intervention and during maintenance. Secondary outcomes included the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, and Lorig Self-efficacy Scale. Secondary implementation outcomes included reach, adoption, and implementation (number of sessions attended per patient).

RESULTS

A total of 280 participants with type 2 diabetes (mean [SD] age, 67.2 [8.4] years; 264 men [94.3]; 134 non-Hispanic White individuals [47.9%]) were equally randomized to EPICC or EUC. Participants receiving EPICC had significant postintervention improvements in HbA1c levels (F1, 252 = 9.12, Cohen d = 0.36 [95% CI, 0.12-0.59]; P = .003) and DDS (F1, 245 = 9.06, Cohen d = 0.37 [95% CI, 0.13-0.60]; P = .003) compared with EUC. During maintenance, differences between the EUC and EPICC groups remained significant for DDS score (F1, 245 = 8.94, Cohen d = 0.36 [95% CI, 0.12-0.59]; P = .003) but not for HbA1c levels (F1, 252 = 0.29, Cohen d = 0.06 [95% CI, -0.17 to 0.30]; P = .60). Improvements in DDS scores were modest. There were no differences between EPICC and EUC in improvements after intervention or maintenance for either adherence or self-efficacy. Among all 4002 eligible patients, 280 (7.0%) enrolled in the study (reach). Each clinic conducted all planned EPICC sessions and cohorts (100% adoption). The EPICC group participants attended a mean (SD) of 4.34 (1.98) sessions, with 54 (38.6%) receiving all 6 sessions.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

A patient-empowerment approach using longitudinal collaborative goal setting and motivational interviewing is feasible in primary care. Improvements in HbA1c levels after the intervention were not sustained after maintenance. Modest improvements in diabetes-associated distress after the intervention were sustained after maintenance. Innovations to expand reach (eg, telemedicine-enabled shared appointments) and sustainability are needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01876485.

Impact of blinded retrospective continuous glucose monitoring on clinical decision making and glycemic control in persons with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Blinded retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (rCGM) provides detailed information about real-life glycaemic profile. In persons with type 2 diabetes without adequate glycaemic control, the structured introduction of rCGM may be beneficial to sustain improvements in diabetes management.

METHODS AND RESULTS

102 individuals with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, age less than 66 years old and HbA1c >7.5%, were recruited. Participants performed a 7-day blinded rCGM (iPro2) every four months for one year. Biochemical, anthropometric, and rCGM data was collected. Participants' and healthcare professionals' perceptions were assessed. 90 participants completed the protocol. HbA1c was 9.1 ± 0.1% one year prior to enrolment and 9.4 ± 0.1% at enrolment (p < 0.01). With the rCGM-based intervention, a decrease in HbA1c was achieved at 4 months (8.4 ± 0.1%, p < 0.0001), and 12 months (8.1 ± 0.1%, p < 0.0001). A significant increase in time-in-range was observed (50.8 ± 2.4 at baseline vs 61.5 ± 2.2% at 12 months, for 70-180 mg/dL, p < 0.001), with no difference in exposure time to hypoglycaemia. After 12 months, there was an increase in self-reported diabetes treatment satisfaction (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In persons with type 2 diabetes and poor metabolic control, specific data from blinded rCGM informed therapeutic changes and referral to targeted education consultations on nutrition and insulin administration technique. Therapeutic changes were made more frequently and targeted to changes in medication dose, timing, and/or type, as well as to lifestyle. Together, these brought significant improvements in clinical outcomes, effective shared decision-making, and satisfaction with treatment.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04141111.

Twenty-five years of diabetes distress research

The term 'diabetes distress' first entered the psychosocial research vernacular in 1995, and refers to 'the negative emotional or affective experience resulting from the challenge of living with the demands of diabetes'. At first the proponents of the concept were hesitant in advocating that diabetes distress was a major barrier to individuals' self-care and management of diabetes. Since then, a burgeoning body of evidence, now including several systematic reviews of intervention studies, suggests that diabetes distress, in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, across ages and in all countries and cultures where it has been studied, is common and can be a barrier to optimal emotional well-being, self-care and management of diabetes. As a consequence, monitoring diabetes distress as part of routine clinical care is part of many national guidelines. The present narrative review summarizes this research and related literature, to postulate the aetiology of diabetes distress, and thus how it may be prevented. The current evidence base for the management of diabetes distress is summarized, and the next steps in the prevention and management of diabetes distress identified.

Person-Centered Primary Care and Type 2 Diabetes: Beyond Blood Glucose Control

With an estimated 9% of persons in the United States diagnosed with diabetes, primary care providers such as midwives and nurse practitioners are increasingly working with persons who have diabetes and are seeking primary care services. This article reviews the current literature with regard to the initial evaluation of individuals who are diagnosed with diabetes, and what is entailed in comprehensive continuing management of care. A person-centered interprofessional approach to care of the person with diabetes is presented. Recommendations are given that address dietary habits, activities of daily living, medication regimens, and potential alternative therapies. Social constructs related to effective care of individuals with diabetes also are addressed. Knowledge of current research that has identified effective care practices for individuals with diabetes is imperative to ensuring their well-being, and promoting a person-centered and interprofessional approach is best for offering optimal care to those diagnosed with diabetes.

Barriers and facilitators of effective health education targeting people with mental illness: a theory-based ethnographic study

BACKGROUND

Health education is particularly important for people with mental illness because they are at higher risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing type 2 diabetes than are members of the general population. However, little is known about how to provide health education activities that promote engagement and motivation among people with mental illness.

METHODS

This study used ethnographic methods to examine barriers and facilitators of effective health education targeting people with mental illness by applying the concept of flow as a theoretical framework. Flow refers to immersion in an activity and is related to motivation. Data were collected through participant observation during eight health-educating activities and were thematically analysed using the concept of flow. Fieldwork was carried out between May and July 2015 in Denmark.

RESULTS

Barriers to flow included: 1) information overload, particularly of biomedical rationales for behaviour change; 2) a one-size-fits-all approach that failed to address the needs and preferences of the target group; and 3) one-way communication allowing little time for reflection. Educators promoted a state of flow when they spoke less and acted outside of a traditional expert role, thus engaging participants in the activity. Flow was facilitated when educators were attentive and responsive to people with mental illness, and when they stimulated reflection about health and health behaviour through open-ended questions, communication tools and in small group exercises.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that more focus should be paid to training of educators in terms of skills to involve and engage people with mental illness in health education activities.

General concepts of goals and goal-setting in healthcare: A narrative review

Goal-setting is fundamental to organisational management, yet not every manager knows how to do it well. A narrative literature review was done to explore current knowledge of definitions and classifications of goals, and principles of goal-setting in the healthcare sector. Online databases generated 65 relevant articles. Additional literature sources were snowballed from referenced articles, and textbooks. Most academic authors define ‘goal’ synonymously as ‘aim’ or ‘objective’, but there is evidence of hermeneutical confusion in general literature. Goal classifications are diverse, differing according to their contextual, structural, functional, and temporal characteristics. Many authors agree that goal-setting is problem-based, change-oriented, and can effectively motivate attainment if the goal statement is formulated with a specific and challenging or SMART framework. However, recent authors report varying definitions for SMART, and evidence of past studies that empirically examined the nature and efficacy of frameworks currently used for formulating goal statements for health programmes are lacking.

Individualising Chronic Care Management by Analysing Patients' Needs - A Mixed Method Approach

Background

Modern health systems are increasingly faced with the challenge to provide effective, affordable and accessible health care for people with chronic conditions. As evidence on the specific unmet needs and their impact on health outcomes is limited, practical research is needed to tailor chronic care to individual needs of patients with diabetes. Qualitative approaches to describe professional and informal caregiving will support understanding the complexity of chronic care. Results are intended to provide practical recommendations to be used for systematic implementation of sustainable chronic care models.

Method

A mixed method study was conducted. A standardised survey (n = 92) of experts in chronic care using mail responses to open-ended questions was conducted to analyse existing chronic care programs focusing on effective, problematic and missing components. An expert workshop (n = 22) of professionals and scientists of a European funded research project MANAGE CARE was used to define a limited number of unmet needs and priorities of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and comorbidities. This list was validated and ranked using a multilingual online survey (n = 650). Participants of the online survey included patients, health care professionals and other stakeholders from 56 countries.

Results

The survey indicated that current care models need to be improved in terms of financial support, case management and the consideration of social care. The expert workshop identified 150 patient needs which were summarised in 13 needs dimensions. The online survey of these pre-defined dimensions revealed that financial issues, education of both patients and professionals, availability of services as well as health promotion are the most important unmet needs for both patients and professionals.

Conclusion

The study uncovered competing demands which are not limited to medical conditions. The findings emphasise that future care models need to focus stronger on individual patient needs and promote their active involvement in co-design and implementation. Future research is needed to develop new chronic care models providing evidence-based and practical implications for the regional care setting.

Development and validation of an instrument to measure collaborative goal setting in the care of patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Despite known benefits of patient-perceived collaborative goal setting, we have a limited ability to monitor this process in practice. We developed the Patient Measure of Collaborative Goal Setting (PM-CGS) to evaluate the use of collaborative goal setting from the patient's perspective.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A random sample of 400 patients aged 40 years or older, receiving diabetes care from the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System between 8/2012 and 8/2013, were mailed a survey containing potential PM-CGS items (n=44) as well as measures of patient demographics, perceived self-management competence, trust in their physician, and self-management behaviors. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate construct validity. External validity was evaluated via a structural equation model (SEM) that tested the association of the PM-CGS with self-management behaviors. The direct and two mediated (via trust and self-efficacy) pathways were tested.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients responded to the survey (64% response rate), of which 192 were eligible for inclusion. Results from the factor analysis supported a 37-item measure of patient-perceived CGS spanning five domains: listen and learn; share ideas; caring relationship; measurable objective; and goal achievement support (χ=4366.13, p<0.001; RMSEA=0.08). Results from the SEM supported the external validity of the PM-CGS. The relationship between CGS and self-management was partially mediated by perceived competence (p<0.05). The direct effect between the PM-CGS and self-management was significant (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CGS can be validly measured by the 37-item PM-CGS. Use of the PM-CGS can help illustrate actionable deficits in goal-setting discussions.