Social support systems as determinants of self-management and quality of life of people with diabetes across Europe: study protocol for an observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Long-term conditions pose major challenges for healthcare systems. Optimizing self-management of people with long-term conditions is an important strategy to improve quality of life, health outcomes, patient experiences in healthcare, and the sustainability of healthcare systems. Much research on self-management focuses on individual competencies, while the social systems of support that facilitate self-management are underexplored. The presented study aims to explore the role of social systems of support for self-management and quality of life, focusing on the social networks of people with diabetes and community organisations that serve them.

Methods

The protocol concerns a cross-sectional study in 18 geographic areas in six European countries, involving a total

SUBMITTER: Koetsenruijter J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4021429 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature