Collaborative practice in type 2 diabetes management in a developing country: A qualitative study of perceptions and attitudes of key stakeholders

Aims and objectives: To explore collaborative practice and perceptions and attitudes of key stakeholders on collaboration in type 2 diabetes management in a tertiary care setting. Background: Understanding collaborative practice in diabetes care in developing countries helps to design and provide patient-centred and cost-effective care. Design: An exploratory qualitative study. Methods: Interviews were undertaken with 30 patients and 18 health professionals and policymakers. Thematic data analysis was undertaken to explore collaborative practice and examine participant perspectives on collaboration in diabetes management. We compared the findings with D'Amour's Collaboration Framework to determine the level of collaboration. Results: Most participants reported a lack of collaborative practice in diabetes management, while they appreciated its importance in improving care. Perceptions varied with respect to what constituted collaborative practice. Three themes were identified: (1) perspectives of key stakeholders on current practice of collaboration; (2) impediments to collaborative practice; (3) strategies to improve collaborative practice. Analyses of the themes using D'Amour's Collaboration Framework indicated a low level of collaboration among physicians, nurses, pharmacists and policymakers, which was attributed to workload and time pressures on health professionals, power dynamics and lack of role clarity of all actors in collaborative action. Participants commented on the need to improve collaboration by establishing strong leadership and governance at different healthcare structure levels, which is committed to coordinating collaboration and developing collaborative frameworks and policies that guide collaborative undertaking. Conclusions: Perceived shortcomings of collaboration were attributed to inadequate resources, power dynamics, a lack of strong team functioning and policies. Participants' positive perceptions provide an opportunity to improve collaborative practice through incorporation of collaborative frameworks and policies. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The findings in this study inform development of tailored and patient-centred diabetes care in tertiary care settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Reporting Method: The study was reported in accordance with the COREQ checklist. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients or the public were not involved in the design, analysis or interpretation of the data in this study. However, patients and healthcare providers participated in pilot interviews, which helped refine the interview guides. The summary of the findings of the study was also discussed with patients and healthcare providers, where they provided feedback.