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PIII‐15
Author(s) -
Levine M. A.,
ElNahas A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.223
Subject(s) - medicine , pill , autonomy , type 2 diabetes , statement (logic) , diabetes management , diabetes mellitus , scale (ratio) , family medicine , visual analogue scale , set (abstract data type) , clinical pharmacology , diabetes treatment , alternative medicine , physical therapy , nursing , pharmacology , endocrinology , programming language , physics , quantum mechanics , political science , computer science , law , pathology
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to identify how type 2 diabetic patients prioritize specific treatment and management options based upon their personal values. METHODS 24 patients were recruited from a diabetes clinic. Using information from a prior qualitative study on diabetes management a questionnaire was constructed composed of 14 statements relating to management options. Patients indicated the importance of each statement on a 10‐point visual analog scale and a factor analysis was conducted. RESULTS The most important issue for patients was obtaining a treatment that provides the best possible blood glucose levels (mean=9.1; SD=0.7); treatment with alternative remedies was the least important issue (mean=4.1; SD=3.4). Diet & exercise ranked 3rd, pills and insulin ranked 12th and 13th respectively. The factor analysis demonstrated a correlation structure that generated 5 themes (lifestyle, knowledge, effectiveness, autonomy, efficiency). No demographic characteristics predicted the statement ratings. CONCLUSIONS The study has demonstrated that diabetes patients do set priorities for their care. The results have implications for how health care providers might communicate therapeutic options, particularly with a the need to link management to goals. Because inter‐patient responses varied greatly there may also be a need to develop treatment strategies that are consistent with individualized preferences rather than generalizing from average patient values. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 79 , P62–P62; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.223