Perceptions and Experiences of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Type 2 Diabetes Patient Education in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is on the increase globally, characterised by severe complications which pose a burden on individuals, healthcare professionals and society. The study aimed at exploring the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals towards type 2 diabetes patient education.

Method: The approach utilised was an explorative descriptive qualitative research approach. A multi-disciplinary group of healthcare professionals comprising of nurses, dieticians and social workers, in two health institutions participated in the focus group discussions. The discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed manually using Tesch (1990) descriptive approach.

Results: The identified themes included the composition of patient education on type 2 diabetes, challenges encountered during the practice of patient education and recommendations by the healthcare professionals.

Conclusion: The healthcare professionals’ perceived that all healthcare professionals should be involved in patient education.

Keywords: Experiences, Healthcare Professionals, Patients, Patient Education, Perception, Type 2 diabetes.