The impact of flash glucose monitoring on the clinical practice of healthcare professionals working in diabetes care. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wright, A.L.; Mattacola, E.L.; Burgess, L.; Smith, L.; Finlay, K.A.
• Is Part Of: Diabetes research and clinical practice. Volume 183(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Flash glucose monitoring -- Diabetes care -- Healthcare professionals -- Self-management -- Adherence -- Consultations -- Health Communication; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Diabetes Mellitus -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.109157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-8227

Abstract

Highlights: Clinicians feel flash glucose monitoring facilitates improved person-centred care. Clinicians perceive that flash glucose monitoring enhances service users' self-efficacy. Clinicians argue that consultations using flash glucose monitoring require more preparation and consultation time. Abstract: Aims: Research has identified that healthcare professionals' attitudes in clinical consultations impact the efficacy of their communication with service users and the blood glucose monitoring behaviours of their clients. Yet no research has sought to understand the impact of flash glucose monitoring on the experience of undertaking clinical consultations. This qualitative study aimed to explore the impact that flash glucose monitoring has on the clinical practice of healthcare professionals. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen Healthcare Professionals (female: n = 13; male: n = 4) working with flash glucose monitoring, analysed via Thematic Analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) Delivering Person-centred Care; (2) Shift in Diabetes Management; and (3) Time Burden. These themes highlight that flash glucose monitoring facilitates person-centred care through the provision of comprehensive data which improves communication between healthcare professionals and service users. However, preparing for consultations which integrate flash glucose monitoring requires a significant, potentially burdensome time investment. Conclusions: Flash glucose monitoring enhances the strategic ability of healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based patient-centred care. This facilitates growth in service users' self-efficacy and encourages targeted diabetes self-management. However, further training is needed to optimise the ability of clinicians to rapidly interrogate and present monitoring data to users.