Endocrine Abstracts

In 2014–2015, a study of patients’ quality of life after training in self-management of monthly Ipstyl injections is implemented. These injections were previously given by their GPs. Inclusion criteria are described. Sample cuts across gender and age. Ten patients did not respond to mailed offers and 12 did not participate. The reason for this is only known to some of them. Six patients wanting training are invited to an introduction of self-management of Ipstyl and are informed that they can always turn to the department with questions related to self-management. Research interviews were conducted in connection with training. The Data Protection Agency approved the project, and the patients were informed of the rules for participation. An interview guide with validated questions was used, and qualitative interviews have so far been completed by two patients. Interviews of ~40 min were recorded and transcription carried out by the researcher. The patients’ statements are categorised and analysed according to Steiner Kvale’s analysis model’s three operational levels i) the patient’s self-understanding, which is a compressed image of the person’s perception, ii) critical sense, a broader frame of reference than the patient’s own opinion and iii) the theoretical level, providing a framework for interpretation of the meaning of statements (Kvale & Brinkmann 2009: 237ff.). The project’s most spectacular preliminary findings are: i) Independence in planning GP consultation; ii) Positive experience of self-management procedure; iii) Self-determination of slow injection rate causing less pain at the injection site. Subsequent initiatives focus on optimising the quality of life of the 22 patients who currently do not want self-management. When they are admitted for their annual check-ups: they will be informed about the project’s findings; training does not necessarily mean future self-management; spouses are allowed to participate in the introduction as well as in self-management.