An eHealth intervention based on the Guided Self-determination program for adults with type 2 diabetes in general practice.

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, progressive condition, requiring each person to manage their symptoms, treatment and physical and psychosocial consequences of the condition, as well as to engage in healthy behaviors daily. Diabetes self-management is consequently a demanding, life-long process requiring motivation. Since many adults with type 2 diabetes do not reach all recommended treatment goals, the fundamental starting point for this project was the need for effective and innovative self-management support interventions for this patient group. Earlier research has proposed eHealth as a promising tool in health care for people with chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore, self-management support intervention, Guided Self-Determination Program, was adapted as a eHealth intervention (eGSD) for people with type 2 diabetes. This PhD project piloted the sGSD. Aims: The overall purpose of this thesis is to provide insight into how adults with type 2 diabetes and registered nurses experience the eGSD conducted in general practice, and how the eGSD may influence motivation for diabetes self-management and intervention participation by means of a qualitative approach. [...]