A qualitative study exploring patients’ experiences regarding insulin pump use

• Published in: Saudi pharmaceutical journal 2018-05, Vol.26 (4), p.487-495
• Main Authors: Alsairafi, Zahra Khalil, Smith, Felicity J., Taylor, Kevin Michael Geoffrey, Alsaleh, Fatemah, Alattar, Abdulnabi T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adherence; Insulin pump; Middle East; Type 2 diabetes
• ISSN: 1319-0164; 2213-7475
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2018.02.010

Diabetes is a threat to peoples’ lives around the world, particularly in the Middle East. Medicine misuse and poor glycaemic control are prevalent among patients with type 2 diabetes, especially insulin-dependent patients (Alsairafi et al., 2016). With advances in medical technology, insulin pumps became a treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes and those with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. However, use of these devices is still lacking in Kuwait, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes. Information on how patients manage these devices and their efficacy and safety from the perspectives of patients is also lacking (Alsaleh et al., 2016). To examine the views and experiences of adults with type 2 diabetes regarding the use of insulin pumps compared to their previous insulin delivery methods, in terms of glycaemic control, quality of life, preference, convenience and adherence to doses. The main five secondary-care hospitals in Kuwait: Mobarak Al-Kabeer, Al Amiri, Al Adan, Al Farwaniya and Al Jahra. All adults with type 2 diabetes who used an insulin pump were invited to participate. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA-11. A total of eight patients were interviewed. Interviews with patients revealed that using an insulin pump improved patients’ glycaemic control and quality of life as a consequence of improved satisfaction and adherence to doses. From the perspective of adults with type 2 diabetes, there are lots of benefits of using insulin pumps over other insulin delivery methods, mainly seen by the improvement of quality of life and patients’ adherence to doses. Policy-makers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) must be aware of such benefits and should support the wider implementation of this technology in the country by including patients with type 2 diabetes. Results of this study will help to inform healthcare provision and guideline modifications and to provide guidance for new patients using this therapy.