Diabetes distress among healthcare providers: A qualitative study

Diabetes-related distress stemming from the burden of managing diabetes has been measured in multiple patient populations; however, the medical management of diabetes also presents unique challenges for health care providers. The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative evaluation of the experiences of healthcare providers in caring for people with diabetes (PWD).

Interviews and focus groups were conducted in a sample of 22 healthcare providers. Participants were drawn from medical residency and fellowship programs, diabetes healthcare provider networks and professional organizations. Participants were queried about their experiences working with PWD.

Themes were extracted and discussed by the investigator team until consensus was reached. Themes included: adherence (frustration that patients don't follow recommendations), emotions associated with treating PWDs (frustration with redundancy of treatment topics, overwhelmed by social needs of patients, worry for patient outcomes), fatigue (emotionally and physically worn-out), role definition (role as supporter and perceived responsibility for medical outcomes), and work environment (limitations of time or resources to provide care).

Diabetes related distress was described as a component of the caregiving experience among health care providers who treat PWD. These data indicate an emotional impact that warrants further investigation and intervention.