Educational Needs and Priorities of People with Diabetes and Healthcare Providers in South Korea: A Mixed-Methods Study

Introduction: Effective self-care for managing diabetes requires culturally sensitive and patient-centered education. This study explored the educational needs and priorities of people with diabetes (PWD) and healthcare providers (HCPs). Method: A mixed-methods approach was employed with participants from a university-affiliated hospital in South Korea. Descriptive and content analyses were used for the questionnaire and interview data. Results: Both PWD (n=33) and HCPs (n=42) ranked diabetes-related side-effect management and medication purpose as the most important aspects of diabetes education. PWD had higher educational needs regarding diagnosed diseases and lifestyle modifications than HCPs. Three themes were revealed: incorporating lifestyle changes and medication taking, collaborating with HCPs and caregivers and providing care to meet person-centered mental health needs, and enhancing education on disease and complications. Discussion: Culturally sensitive and patient-centered education programs that recognize communal values, reflect individual preferences and needs, and promote lifestyle changes by leveraging technologies for Korean PWD are crucial.