Involvement of family members in life with type 2 diabetes: Six interconnected problem domains of significance for family health identity and healthcare authenticity. (17th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grabowski, Dan; Andersen, Tue Helms; Varming, Annemarie; Ommundsen, Christine; Willaing, Ingrid
• Is Part Of: SAGE open medicine. Volume 5(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-08-17
• Subjects: Family -- involvement -- type 2 diabetes -- health identity -- authenticity; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/2050312117728654
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-3121

Abstract

Objectives: Family involvement plays a key role in diabetes management. Problems and challenges related to type 2-diabetes often affect the whole family, and relatives are at increased risk of developing diabetes themselves. We highlight these issues in our objectives: (1) to uncover specific family problems associated with mutual involvement in life with type 2-diabetes and (2) to analytically look at ways of approaching these problems in healthcare settings. Methods: Qualitative data were gathered in participatory problem assessment workshops. The data were analysed in three rounds using radical hermeneutics. Results: Problems were categorized in six domains: knowledge, communication, support, everyday life, roles and worries. The final cross-analysis focusing on the link between family identity and healthcare authenticity provided information on how the six domains can be approached in healthcare settings. Conclusion: The study generated important knowledge about problems associated with family involvement in life with type 2 diabetes and about how family involvement can be supported in healthcare practice.