Interaction between diabetes specialist nurses and patients during group sessions about self-management in type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the interaction between diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) and patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) during group sessions about self-management.MethodsTen DSNs and 44 patients were observed during group sessions about self-management, and thereafter the observations were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe interaction was characterized by three themes: becoming empowered, approaching each other from different perspectives, and struggling for authority. The interaction was not a linear process, but rather a dynamic process with distinct episodes that characterized the content of the sessions.ConclusionIt is important to achieve an interaction that is patient-centered, where the DSN is aware of each patient's individual needs and avoids responding to patients in a normative way. A satisfying interaction may strengthen patients’ self-management, and also may strengthen the DSNs in their professional performance.Practice implicationsAuthority struggles between patients and DSNs could be a prerequisite for patients to become autonomous and decisive in self-management. DSNs might benefit from an increased awareness about this issue, because they can better support patients if they do not perceive authority struggles as threats to their professional role.