%0 Journal Article
%T Feasibility and acceptability of the use of flash glucose monitoring encountered by Indigenous Australians with type 2 diabetes mellitus: initial experiences from a pilot study.
%A Eer ASY
%A Ho RCY
%A Hearn T
%A Hachem M
%A Freund M
%A Burchill LJ
%A Atkinson-Briggs S
%A Singh S
%A Eades S
%A O'Brien RC
%A Furler JS
%A O'Neal DN
%A Story DA
%A Zajac JD
%A Braat S
%A Brown A
%A Clarke P
%A Sinha AK
%A McLean AG
%A Twigg SM
%A Ekinci EI
%J BMC Health Serv Res
%V 23
%N 1
%D 2023 Dec 8
%M 38066492
%F 2.908
%R 10.1186/s12913-023-10121-6
%X BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly prevalent within the Indigenous Australian community. Novel glucose monitoring technology offers an accurate approach to glycaemic management, providing real-time information on glucose levels and trends. The acceptability and feasibilility of this technology in Indigenous Australians with T2DM has not been investigated.
OBJECTIVE: This feasibility phenomenological study aims to understand the experiences of Indigenous Australians with T2DM using flash glucose monitoring (FGM).
METHODS: Indigenous Australians with T2DM receiving injectable therapy (n = 8) who used FGM (Abbott Freestyle Libre) for 6-months, as part of a clinical trial, participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the interviews was performed using NVivo12 Plus qualitative data analysis software (QSR International).
RESULTS: Six major themes emerged: 1) FGM was highly acceptable to the individual; 2) FGM's convenience was its biggest benefit; 3) data from FGM was a tool to modify lifestyle choices; 4) FGM needed to be complemented with health professional support; 5) FGM can be a tool to engage communities in diabetes management; and 6) cost of the device is a barrier to future use.
CONCLUSIONS: Indigenous Australians with T2DM had positive experiences with FGM. This study highlights future steps to ensure likelihood of FGM is acceptable and effective within the wider Indigenous Australian community.