Living with type 1 diabetes and an insulin pump: a qualitative insight

This study aims to provide a qualitative insight into the experiences of people living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who use an insulin pump, and thus inform diabetes care practices including psychological support programmes. Patients attending a specialist T1DM outpatient clinic were invited to share their experience of living with an insulin pump. Participants took part in either a semi-structured interview or a focus group, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using a framework approach based on the Optimal Health Wheel comprised of six domains including Physical, Social, Intellectual, Emotional, Occupational and Spiritual values. A total of 15 individuals participated in a semi-structured interview (n=7) or a focus group (n=8). Participants were aged between 20 and 60 years with a duration of pump use ranging from 7 weeks to 9.5 years; the majority were female (n=12). A total of 19 sub-themes were identified under the six Optimal Health Wheel domains. It was concluded that the Optimal Health Wheel is a useful framework for qualitative data analysis. Its application synthesised some new themes (emotional–physical interplay, self-esteem and personality, and sense of self), as well as building on previously described themes such as self-management and the pump's physical presence. These provide insight into the lives of people living with T1DM and an insulin pump. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons.