New research shows that the quality of patient-physician communication at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) may impact future patient self-care and well-being.(1) Data from the IntroDia™ Survey, the largest international survey of its kind, have quantitatively demonstrated this link using responses from more than 10,000 people with T2D across 26 countries.(1,2) A comparable relationship was previously found through IntroDia™ for conversations at the moment when additional oral medication is prescribed (the 'add-on' moment).(2)
"For many, being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is a stressful and worrying time. People may be anxious because they don’t understand what type 2 diabetes is, or how they will cope. The IntroDia™ results suggest that health professionals can help patients accept and embrace effective diabetes management strategies from the start – just by choosing the right words," explained Anne Belton, Canada, Diabetes Nurse Educator, Vice President of the IDF and member of the IntroDia™ Advisory Panel.
Analyses indicated patients distinguish three types of physician statements that contribute to communication quality: 'encouraging', 'collaborative' and 'discouraging'.(1,2) When physicians used 'encouraging' and 'collaborative' statements, patients’ perception of the communication quality significantly improved.(1,2) Using 'discouraging' statements had the opposite effect.(1,2)
- 'Encouraging' communication included statements such as: "My doctor told me that a lot can be done to control my diabetes."
- A 'collaborative' communication example was: "My doctor asked me for my ideas when we made a treatment plan."
- 'Discouraging' communication included statements like: "My doctor told me that diabetes gets harder to handle over time."
During diagnosis conversations, a fourth type of physician statement was identified, 'recommending other resources', but this was not related to perceived patient conversation quality.(1)
The perceived quality of conversations by patients was linked to all self-reported outcomes surveyed.(1,2) Those who recalled better quality of communication when interacting with their physicians reported improved self-care and well-being, including reduced diabetes-related emotional distress, improved diet and exercise, as well as better medication adherence.(1,2)
Dr William Polonsky, USA, Behavioural Psychologist and member of the IntroDia™ Advisory Panel commented, "IntroDia™ is the largest study of its kind to highlight how effective communication between physicians and people with type 2 diabetes around the world can have a powerful influence on how an individual thinks about and manages their condition. These latest patient data reinforce how important it is for us to get early management right, for the successful long-term management of the disease."
