Adherence in diabetes: Challenges, negotiations and dialogues

Non-adherence to long-term therapies has been deemed a world wide problem by the World Health Organisation but is rarely studied from the patient’s perspective. Adherence involves two parties, the patient and the provider. This study explores what it is like to have a complex regimen prescribed when living with diabetes and what happens in patient’s relationship with healthcare providers when they are non-adherent. The participants in the study reveal a dynamic and conflicting experience - a constant attempt to live a normal and fulfilling life by balancing the regimen with physical and psychosocial wellbeing. The importance of knowledge, experience and understanding is emphasised along with fear, desires and autonomy. Adherence is an unrecognised concept but healthcare providers can affect this experience with their attitude and presence. The challenges that meet the person with diabetes are dealt with by negotiationg with oneself and healthcare providers can be supportive by inviting patients to authentic dialogues, based on respect and trust. This book is aimed at professionals and patients interested in the concept of adherence.