Patient and provider perceptions of diabetes: Measuring and evaluating differences

Abstract 

Objective

This study measures diabetes care perceptions of patients and their providers, and examines perceptions differences of patient–provider pairs.

Methods

Patient and provider perceptions were assessed using the Diabetes Semantic Differential Scales (DSDS) which ask respondents to rate diabetes care concepts using contrasting adjective pairs. The DSDS was scored by two methods: using means and using factor analysis. Persons with diabetes 40-years-old or older were recruited. Using a “snowball” sampling strategy, potential provider participants were identified by their patients; 71 providers agreed. These providers represented 51% of the patient participants and created 138 patient–provider pairs.

Results

For the mean scores, there were significant differences between patients and providers for 5 of the 18 semantic differentials (28%). Similarly, the factor scores indicated significant differences for 14 of 54 factors (26%). The effect sizes indicated practical differences.

Conclusion

Significant differences exist between patient and provider perceptions. Generally, patients have the more positive diabetes perceptions.

Practice implications

During patient and provider discussions, participants can perceive diabetes concepts differently. The DSDS can determine perception differences. While it is best to use factor analyses to score the DSDS, mean scores are more easily calculated and indicate the broad conceptual areas where patient and provider differ.

Keywords: Diabetes perceptions, Patient–provider interactions, Assessing perceptions