Healthcare professionals' experiences in identifying and supporting mental health problems in adults living with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims: To explore perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals in the identification and support provision of mental health problems in adults living with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Using a qualitative research design, 15 healthcare professionals working in the United Kingdom were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using reflexive inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified relating to barriers: time, knowledge, relationship between services and stigma. Three themes were identified relating to facilitators: education, communication and appropriate tools and services. Conclusions: This research emphasises the need for educational tools to improve the skills and competency of healthcare professionals in identifying mental health problems in people with type 1 diabetes, highlighting practical and theoretical implications for healthcare improvements and the necessity for additional research to design care pathways that better support this population, in which all healthcare professionals are aware of.