The experiences of diabetics on self-monitoring of blood glucose: a qualitative metasynthesis

Aims and objectives To interpret, describe and analyse the results of various qualitative studies and comprehensively elucidate the self‐monitoring of blood glucose experiences of diabetic patients, and to make recommendations based on these findings for clinical practices. Background Patients exhibited both positive and negative perceptions towards the self‐monitoring of blood glucose. Numerous recent qualitative studies have explored the self‐monitoring of blood glucose experiences of diabetic patients; however, no integrated results have been provided. Design Qualitative metasynthesis. Methods A systematic literature search of English and Chinese databases was undertaken, covering the period between January 2004 and April 2014. The following databases were searched: CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Airiti library and PsycInfo. Seven studies were assessed in the final analysis; the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used to evaluate these studies. Results The self‐monitoring experiences of patients with diabetes were divided into five themes: perceived disease severity, effects on daily life, lifestyle adjustments after becoming aware of blood glucose levels, determining the meaning of self‐monitoring, and the differences between diabetic patients who use and do not use insulin. Individual differences in blood glucose self‐monitoring vary widely among diabetic patients. Conclusions These differences result from personal cognition and feelings concerning blood glucose monitoring. Insights into and discussions regarding the self‐monitoring of blood glucose experiences of diabetic patients enable health care professionals to understand the factors that influence the intentions of patients to perform self‐monitoring of blood glucose and facilitate establishing customised self‐monitoring of blood glucose treatment plans. Relevance to clinical practice Health care professionals must adopt flexible and individualised criteria to determine patient cognitive misconceptions, understand negative emotional reactions and provide individualised assistance.