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Managing type 2 diabetes presents significant challenges for individuals, particularly as it involves complex treatment regimens, high workload, and associated costs, all of which can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health. A recent study published in The Annals of Family Medicine examines how general practitioners (GPs) in China identify and respond to these burdens during patient consultations.
The research, conducted by Kai Lin et al., focused on video recordings of 29 GP-patient consultations from 2018 and 2019, all within a primary care clinic setting in China. These consultations were analyzed for any discussions regarding the treatment burden associated with managing type 2 diabetes. The researchers aimed to identify the specific challenges patients face and the strategies employed by GPs to address them.
A total of 29 GP-patient consultations were analyzed, with 77 sections of the interviews specifically addressing treatment burdens. The study’s findings reveal important insights into the nature of these consultations:
- The median length of the 29 video-recorded consultations was approximately 24 minutes.
- In 37.66% of the recorded segments, the GP took the initiative in discussing and responding to treatment burden concerns. In contrast, 23.38% of the segments saw the patient initiate the discussion, with the GP responding. In 38.96% of the segments, the patient raised the topic of treatment burden, but the GP did not provide a response.
- Medication emerged as the most frequently identified component of the treatment burden, highlighted by both patients and GPs. This was followed by concerns about personal resources, medical information, and administrative challenges.
The findings emphasize the complexity of managing type 2 diabetes and the need for tailored GP responses to improve patient engagement. By acknowledging these burdens, GPs can help alleviate barriers to care, ultimately promoting better outcomes for patients.
The study underscores the importance of communication in primary care settings and provides valuable guidance for healthcare providers aiming to ease the burdens of managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.
More Information: Kai Lin et al, Primary Care Physicians’ Responses to Treatment Burden in People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Video Analysis in China, The Annals of Family Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1370/afm.240171
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
