# Experiences of contacts with diabetes care professionals among people with type 2 diabetes in an urban Swedish setting

## TL;DR

This study explores how people with type 2 diabetes in Malmö, Sweden, experience their interactions with healthcare professionals and identifies ways to improve diabetes care.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into patient experiences with diabetes care in an urban Swedish setting and suggests improvements for healthcare delivery.

## Key findings

- Patients felt supported when healthcare professionals adapted to their individual needs and communicated clearly.
- Continuity with general practitioners and educational aspects were identified as unmet healthcare needs.
- Group-based diabetes education is recommended for broader implementation to improve care.

## Abstract

High-quality diabetes care should offer personalized treatment and support self-management to reduce complications and maintain quality of life for affected persons. In Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, primary care treated twice as many individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in 2018 compared to 2011. As the prevalence of T2D increases, healthcare services face increasing challenges.

To explore experiences of contacts with diabetes care professionals among people living with T2D who are accessing diabetes care in the city of Malmö.

A qualitative inductive design was employed, involving interviews with 21 persons with T2D receiving diabetes care at four primary healthcare centers in Malmö. A semi-structured interview guide was used. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

The theme ‘Seeking room for one’s agency’ emerged from two categories that illustrate experiences with diabetes care in relation to meeting healthcare needs: ‘Importance of connecting with diabetes care professionals’ and ‘Concerns in navigating diabetes care.’ Eight subcategories describe what contact with diabetes care meant for the participants.

The findings highlight opportunities for improving diabetes care to better meet patients’ needs. Contacts with diabetes care professionals were perceived as supportive when there was a clear intention to adapt to individual needs and when expectations and communication were transparent. Continuity with general practitioners and educational aspects were identified as unmet healthcare needs. Based on the findings of this study, efforts to a systematic and broad implementation of group-based T2D-education in Malmö are recommended.