Development of a Family-Centred Nutrition and Exercise Diabetes Care Programme for Better Diabetes Outcomes in Rural Areas of Limpopo: Practice-Oriented Theory

Abstract

Background: Cost-effective interventions are required to manage the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and minimize new cases. Family-centred care interventions positively influence patients’ diabetes outcomes and improve health and quality of life. This article aims to describe the development of family-centred nutrition and exercise diabetes care intervention. Methods: A mixed method study design was used in the baseline study. The findings from the qualitative interviews and quantitative survey informed the development of the family-centred nutrition and exercise diabetes programme, with the guidance of practice-oriented theory. Results: Components of practice-oriented theory guided the study and were applied. The researcher outlined that dietitians and physiotherapists are agents to provide family-centred nutrition and exercise diabetes care to patients and their families. One element of practice-oriented theory involves how the programme is to be implemented, which will be face-to-face in focus groups. Conclusion: The study further highlights the need for piloting the implementation of the intervention to determine other dynamics that may obstruct overall implementation.