Group therapy as a working tool in health education for patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Section: Cover story
How to quote
Santamaría P. La terapia de grupo como herramienta de trabajo en la educación sanitaria de los pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus. Metas de Enfermería may 2003; 6(4): 24-26
Authors
Pilar Santamaría Cáceres
Position
Diplomada en Enfermería y Profesora Asociada de la Escuela de Enfermería de la Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Madrid.
Contact address
Centro de Salud de Barajas. Avda. de Logrño, 319. 28042 Madrid.
Abstract
By means of health education following a group methodology approach and the operative group technique, our objective is to make patients and their families gain a better understanding of this illness as they familiarize themselves with it and come to accept it. In this way, greater skill in self- care procedures will be acquired, attaining simultaneously greater self-sufficiency and control.
Methodology: 26 patients, four family members and a nurse participated in this study. 16 ninety-minute sessions were conducted in two courses over a period of two months. Sessions were led by a nurse and a social worker and took place in a local health centre.
Results: Analysis of group work revealed the following achievements: A greater knowledge about the illness (diet, self-care, complications and treatment); a less dramatic approach and greater acceptance towards the illness (greater satisfaction); greater control over the illness.
Conclusions: Group work allows participants to exchange experiences and knowledge. This encourages a change of attitude towards the illness and increases motivation regarding self-care. Also, patients are better prepared to exercise their own responsibility thereby becoming more self-sufficient.
Keywords:
diabetes; health education; group methodology; operative groupself-care
Versión en Español
Título:
