Patient and provider perceptions of diabetes: Measuring and evaluating differences
Received 25 May 2007; received in revised form 22 August 2007; accepted 16 September 2007.
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.
aDepartment of Medical Education, University of Michigan, United States
bGeriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center, Ann Arbor VAMC, United States
Corresponding author at: Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan, G1107 Towsley Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0201, United States. Tel.: +1 734 936 1644; fax: +1 734 936 1641.
ABSTRACT