A Cross-sectional Survey to Assess Reasons for Therapeutic Inertia in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Preferred Strategies to Overcome It From the Perspectives of Persons With Diabetes and General/Family Practitioners: Results From the MOTION Study.

OBJECTIVES: Although multiple causes of therapeutic inertia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been identified, few studies have addressed the behavioural aspects of treatment-intensification decisions among persons with type 2 diabetes (PwT2DM) and general practitioners/family practitioners (GPFPs). METHODS: A quantitative online survey was developed to capture from 300 PwT2DM and 100 GPFPs the following information: 1) perspectives on shared decision-making (SDM) related to treatment intensification, using the 9-item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire and the Shared Decision Making Questionnaire---physician version; 2) intentions to intensify treatments, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB); and 3) preferred strategies to overcome causes of therapeutic inertia in T2DM. Regression methods were applied post hoc to examine correlations with SDM scores, behavioural intentions and behaviours. RESULTS: SDM scores showed a significantly lower level of perceived involvement in decision-making related to treatment intensification among PwT2DM compared with GPFPs. The TPB identified that, for PwT2DM, attitudes, perceived behavioural control and age were associated with variation in intention to intensify treatment and, for GPFPs, perceived behavioural control and not being in a shared/group practice were associated with intentions to intensify treatment. PwT2DM behaviour, measured as hesitancy to intensify treatment, was associated with age. PwT2DM want more information to become more comfortable with the treatment decision-making process, whereas GPFPs desired support from other health professionals, and more time to address issues among PwT2DM. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies directed at providing GPFPs with tools/approaches to increase PwT2DM involvement in the decision-making process, such as behavioural coaching, decision aids and goal setting, may increase acceptance of treatment intensification, leading to a reduction in therapeutic inertia in T2DM.

Persons With Diabetes and General/Family Practitioner Perspectives Related to Therapeutic Inertia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Qualitative Focus Groups and the Theoretical Domains Framework: Results From the MOTION Study.

OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic inertia in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is the failure to receive timely treatment intensification as indicated according to T2DM treatment guidelines. Multifactorial causes of therapeutic inertia in T2DM have been documented at the level of persons with diabetes (PwD), health-care providers and health-care systems. METHODS: We developed a 3-part mixed-methods research program, called the Moving to Overcome Therapeutic Inertia Obstacles Now in T2DM (MOTION) study, to inform the development of strategies to address therapeutic inertia in T2DM. We present the results from focus groups with the following objectives: 1) understanding PwD and general practitioner/family practitioner (GPFP) determinants of behaviour related to treatment intensification using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF); and 2) identifying the sources of behaviours contributing to therapeutic inertia in T2DM, as proposed by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). Two focus groups with PwD and 4 with GPFPs were conducted. Transcripts from the focus groups were coded independently by 2 investigators to identify themes, then mapped to TDF domains and linked using the BCW. RESULTS: For PwD, the most commonly coded TDF domains were intentions, goals, knowledge, beliefs about consequences and social influences. For GPFPs, the most common domains were intentions, environmental context and resources and social/professional role and identity. The BCW identified that PwD interventions should include reflective motivation, psychological capability and social opportunity; GPFP interventions should include physical opportunity, social opportunity and reflective motivation. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive strategies that target both PwD and GPFP barriers would encourage a more collaborative approach toward treatment intensification decisions and reducing therapeutic inertia.

Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs Second Study (DAWN2): Understanding Diabetes-Related Psychosocial Outcomes for Canadians with Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: DAWN2 assessed the psychosocial impact of diabetes on persons with diabetes (PWDs), family members and healthcare professionals (HCPs) across 17 countries. This article reports on the Canadian cohort of PWDs. METHODS: PWDs completed online, validated self-report scales assessing quality of life (QOL), self-management, beliefs, social support and priorities for improving diabetes care. Analyses used unweighted data. RESULTS: Of 500 participants (80 type 1, 420 type 2) positive self-reported QOL was common (64.6%) and likely depression less common (12.8%). Diabetes distress, however, was identified by almost half of PWDs with type 1 diabetes, and one-quarter of PWDs with type 2 (47.5% vs. 25.7% type 2; p<0.001). Numerous life areas were negatively impacted, particularly finances, work and emotional well-being for those with type 1 diabetes (p<0.001 vs. type 2). Most PWDs reported support from family, friends and HCPs, but few reported being asked by HCPs how diabetes affected their lives. Most PWDs participated in (type 1, 90.0%; type 2, 85.7%) and valued (type 1, 84.7%; type 2, 78.1%) diabetes education. Few PWDs relied on community supports (type 1, 17.5%; type 2, 26.9%), and discrimination was not uncommon for those with type 1 (33.8% vs. 12.4% for type 2; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PWDs experience psychological challenges that should be addressed within diabetes management services.