TY - JOUR T1 - People with type 2 diabetes experiences of emotional support in Australian general practice: a qualitative study JF - BJGP Open JO - BJGP Open DO - 10.3399/BJGPO.2022.0079 SP - BJGPO.2022.0079 AU - Rita McMorrow AU - Barbara Hunter AU - Nana Folmann Hempler AU - Kaleswari Somasundaram AU - Jon Emery AU - Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis Y1 - 2022/09/14 UR - http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2022/09/14/BJGPO.2022.0079.abstract N2 - Background Diabetes distress, experienced by up to 40% of people with type two diabetes, is the negative emotional response to the burden of living with and managing diabetes. It is associated with sub-optimal glycaemia and diabetes self-management. Research indicates that people with diabetes do not recall being asked about emotional distress by health care professionals.Aim Explore the experiences, needs and expectations of people with type two diabetes regarding emotional support received in Australian general practice.Design & Setting Exploratory qualitative study in Victoria, Australia.Method Semi-structured interviews exploring emotional health and support received in general practice in twelve adults with type two diabetes who primarily attend general practice. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using the framework approach.Results Three major themes were identified: 1) Beneath the surface of diabetes care; 2) Importance of GP-patient relationship; 3) Communication counts. Participants experienced diabetes care as focused primarily on medical management, rather than the emotional aspects of living with type two diabetes. While people’s experiences of diabetes care in general practice primarily focused on physical health, the GP care beyond the presenting complaint has an essential role in identifying emotional issues and enabling support. Emotional issues were more likely to be discussed and acknowledged by the GP where there was a long-standing relationship between GP and patient.Conclusion Pre-existing positive GP-patient relationships and supportive communication enable people with type two diabetes to raise emotional issues as part of diabetes care. ER -