204 - BARRIERS TO THE USE OF DIABETES TECHNOLOGIES – A PORTUGUESE PERSPECTIVE FROM THE PATIENT AND HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Abstract
Background and Aims
Diabetes technologies have improved diabetes treatment and patient’s quality of life. We aimed to determine the barriers that prevent healthcare professionals and patients from using advanced technologies for treating diabetes.
Methods
Prospective study, starting in December 2018, based on online surveys to diabetic patients and healthcare professionals involved in their treatment.
Results
Among 161 patients (66.5% women, 37.3±13.7 years, 92.5% type 1 diabetes), 89.4% used technologies for diabetes treatment (87.1% continuous glucose monitor [CGM], 30.6% insulin pump). The main barriers for patients were: cost (59.6% CGM, 64.0% insulin pump); device alarms (54.7% CGM, 41.0% insulin pump); desire to spend minimal time treating diabetes (45.3% CGM, 42.2% insulin pump), and fear of device malfunction (36.6% CGM, 43.5% insulin pump). From 95 professionals surveyed (74.7% women, 43.3±13.1 years), 76.8% were physicians (49.5% Endocrinology), and 16.9% nurses. 92.6% recommend the use of diabetes technologies (mostly CGM [90.9%] and insulin pumps [68.2%]). The major barrier to using CGM (69.5%) and insulin pump (72.6%) was the cost for users/coverage by the National Health Service (NHS) or insurer, while 49.5% admited not understanding information/features of insulin pumps, and 48.4% reported difficulty handling devices. Patiens and professionals consider that better NHS/insurer coverage, easier access to devices, more therapeutic education, and improved technology, could ameliorate the use of technologies in diabetes treatment. Most professionals consider important to increase consultation time and education on device's use.
Conclusions
Education of patients/their families and health professionals looks essential to override barriers in using diabetes technologies as an ally for evolution of diabetes treatment.
