Group-based storytelling in disease self-management among people with diabetes

OBJECTIVE: We explored the underlying mechanisms by which storytelling can promote disease self-management among people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Two, eight-session storytelling interventions were delivered to a total of eight adults with type 2 diabetes at a community health center in Toronto, Ontario. Each week, participants shared stories about diabetes self-management topics of their choice. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, transcripts from each session and focus groups conducted during and following the intervention were coded and analyzed using NVivo software. Through content analysis, we identified categories that describe processes and benefits of the intervention that may contribute to and support diabetes self-management. RESULTS: Our analysis suggests that storytelling facilitates knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, reflection, and making meaning of one’s disease. These processes, in turn, could potentially build a sense of community that facilitates peer support, empowerment, and active engagement in disease self-management. CONCLUSION: Venues that offer patients opportunities to speak of their illness management experiences are currently limited in our healthcare systems. In conjunction with traditional diabetes self-management education, storytelling can support several core aspects of diabetes self-management. Our findings could guide the design and/or evaluation of future story-based interventions.