Self-managing type 2 diabetes is a unique challenge for older patients. A systematic review and thematic synthesis of barriers and facilitators

Journal title PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE
Author/s Julia Menichetti, Pietro Cipresso, Elena Vegni, Guendalina Graffigna
Publishing Year 2017 Issue 2017/2
Language English Pages 24 P. 97-120 File size 467 KB
DOI 10.3280/PDS2017-002005
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Purpose: To systematize evidences related to self-management practices of older patients with type 2 diabetes, with particular reference to barriers and facilitators. Methods: Electronic databases were searched without year or language restrictions and independently screened and analyzed by two researchers following the SIGN evaluation checklist. Barriers and facilitators to self-care were thematically synthetized. Results: 17 articles were included. Five overarching themes for barriers and facilitators to self-care were identified: disease-related aspects, socio-demographic aspects, psychological aspects, doctor-patient aspects and social community aspects. In particular, diabetes symptoms, comorbidities and chronicity of treatment appeared to hamper self-care practices. On the contrary, working on personal resources and engaging peers and family has been re-ported to strengthen self-care behaviors. Finally, communication with the doctor was reported as the primary source of information and education to sustain self-care behaviors. Conclusions: Since engaging older type 2 diabetes patients in their care management is a multifaceted challenge that encompasses different potentially modifiable levels of action (e.g., individual, relational, social), solutions considering these levels should be considered. The need for a targeted intervention that would consider both ageing and diabetes-related difficulties is highlighted.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, systematic review, self-management, patient engagement, ageing.

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Julia Menichetti, Pietro Cipresso, Elena Vegni, Guendalina Graffigna, Self-managing type 2 diabetes is a unique challenge for older patients. A systematic review and thematic synthesis of barriers and facilitators in "PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE" 2/2017, pp 97-120, DOI: 10.3280/PDS2017-002005