Introduction The majority of people with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) are responsible for their daily self management. Self-management of T1DM includes blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, dietary intake and physical activity management, along with decision making and problem solving around the management tasks. However, on admission to the hospital setting people with T1DM may be required to relinquish responsibility of their self-management (Cohen et al 2007). Aim The purpose of the study is to explore the person's perspective of their experience of management and/or self-management of their T1DM within in the hospital setting. Methodology The research methodology used to explore this phenomena is Grounded Theory (GT) with a particular focus on Charmaz’s (2006) Constructionist GT. Initial data collection used a focus group with five participants with T1DM. The focus group was audio recorded, transcribed and analysed by constant comparative analysis. Findings Participants indicate they have experiential knowledge of managing their T1DM and would like support in hospital to remain actively involved in their management. The participants identified health professionals’ (HPs) lack of knowledge on T1DM as an issue in the hospital setting, while acknowledging it is difficult for HPs to know everything. Participants expressed concern about food availability, limited access to their own equipment, hypoglycaemia and admitted lying to health professionals in order to keep safe. Conclusion Germain and Nemchik (1988) found self managers monitor HPs actions as a protective response to their usual daily T1DM management. HP’s limited knowledge level of T1DM leads to increased anxiety and concern for the patient with T1DM (Rasmussen, Wellard & Nankervis 2001). Patients with T1DM want to be listened to, have input into their T1DM management and have their usual self management acknowledged by HPs in the hospital setting.
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