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Description of a Diabetes Support Group: Lessons for Diabetes Caregivers
Author(s) -
Toth E.L.,
James I.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-5491.1992.tb01891.x
Subject(s) - medicine , diabetes mellitus , group (periodic table) , gerontology , family medicine , endocrinology , organic chemistry , chemistry
A weekly psychotherapy group has been established with 21 diabetic patients (mean sessions attended per patient 12.0 ± 8.9). In this non‐structured group, the topics spontaneously chosen most often for discussion included complications and fears regarding complications, diet, and relationships with physicians. Other topics included difficulties achieving diabetes control, relationships with families, devices for day to day management, pregnancy and parenting, depression and eating disorders, and occupational concerns including driving and diabetes. The presence of a physician co‐therapist was found to be valuable. Examples are provided of the patients' concerns. It is felt that understanding patients' needs for information and communication with physicians and allied health professionals will enrich the caregiver‐patient relationship.