P257 Focus groups to explore the views of carbohydrate counting education sessions
Published Date: 23rd March 2022
Publication Authors: Edon E, Westall S, Gallagher CG
Aims
To identify key themes in adults with type 1 diabetes about their views on insulin-carbohydrate counting education (ICE) sessions using focus groups.
Methods
We used a qualitative methodology utilising individual, semi-structured, taped, transcribed and analysed focus groups with individuals who previously attended an ICE session. Four focus groups were conducted in a diabetes outpatient centre. Adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 13) discussed their views of ICE sessions (54% female, mean age 45 ± 16 years). The participants were asked 10 questions and their comments were extracted and assigned into 16 saturated thematic categories.
Results
Focus groups revealed merit in both 1-2-1 and group education sessions. Most participants preferred to receive face to face education rather than virtual. Individuals shared the view that group sessions are supportive as ‘meeting other people was as important as the carb counting itself’. Views on the length of ICE sessions differed; however the majority were keen to receive follow-up after attending their initial ICE session. Interestingly, a key inductive theme was the benefit of ICE group sessions for those more recently diagnosed.
Conclusion
Individuals with type 1 diabetes preferred face to face ICE sessions over virtual sessions; however there were no common themes in relation to participant’s preferred delivery of the sessions. Different views regarding education delivery are possibly a result of many factors, such as learning styles and confidence levels. Moreover, healthcare workers should acknowledge these potentially challenging factors and recognise the importance of developing a service to accommodate all individuals.
Edon, E; Westall, S; Gallagher, C. (2022). P257 Focus groups to explore the views of carbohydrate counting education sessions. Diabetic Medicine. 39 (Suppl 1), 133
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