Observational study about psychosocial aspects in diabetes care in Brussels (Belgium)
Abstract
Background: Diabetes type 2 prevalence is increasing due to ageing populations and increase in risk factors related to diabetes. It’s a chronic condition that substantially affects daily life, as persons with type 2 diabetes must adhere to a strict healthy lifestyle. Yet the psychosocial needs of these patients are often overlooked. This study examines wether and how these needs are addressed in healthcare.
Methods: A qualitative ethnographic study based on 47 non-participatory observations of diabetes consultations at an outpatient academic diabetes specialist centre located in Brussels, a European metropolitan capital, was conducted and thematically analysed using the Making Care Fit framework.
Results: Healthcare professionals mainly focused on medical aspects, while psychosocial issues were rarely discussed. Although patients raised emotional burdens, frustrations, or shame, these concerns were rarely explored in depth. Only work-related problems were further discussed. The unique life context of patients was also rarely integrated into the care plan. Although relatives were sometimes present during healthcare, and clearly played a supportive role, their perspective was not actively taken into account. The conversation was largely provider-driven, giving patients little say in final decisions. Time constraints reinforced the focus on clinical tasks, and follow-up needs were rarely addressed.
Conclusions: By directly observing real-time interactions, this study reveals how psychosocial needs become deprioritized in routine daily healthcare practices despite current insights emphasizing person centered care.
Key messages: • Healthcare was predominantly biomedical in focus. While patients’ unique situations were acknowledged, it was rarely acted upon them, and implicit psychosocial concerns often went unnoticed.
• To address lived experiences of patients and their relatives, sufficient time, open and sincere communication, and systematic screening for psychosocial issues during care is required.
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BibTeX
@article{anciaux2026observational,
title = {{Observational study about psychosocial aspects in diabetes care in Brussels (Belgium)}},
author = {R Anciaux and L Vesentini and B Keymeulen and A Kharagjitsingh and U Van de Velde and JJR Bilsen},
journal = {The European Journal of Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1148},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1148},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Observational study about psychosocial aspects in diabetes care in Brussels (Belgium)
AU - R Anciaux
AU - L Vesentini
AU - B Keymeulen
AU - A Kharagjitsingh
AU - U Van de Velde
AU - JJR Bilsen
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - The European Journal of Public Health
DO - 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1148
UR - https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1148
AB - Background: Diabetes type 2 prevalence is increasing due to ageing populations and increase in risk factors related to diabetes. It’s a chronic condition that substantially affects daily life, as persons with type 2 diabetes must adhere to a strict healthy lifestyle. Yet the psychosocial needs of these patients are often overlooked. This study examines wether and how these needs are addressed in healthcare. Methods: A qualitative ethnographic study based on 47 non-participatory observations of diabetes consultations at an outpatient academic diabetes specialist centre located in Brussels, a European metropolitan capital, was conducted and thematically analysed using the Making Care Fit framework. Results: Healthcare professionals mainly focused on medical aspects, while psychosocial issues were rarely discussed. Although patients raised emotional burdens, frustrations, or shame, these concerns were rarely explored in depth. Only work-related problems were further discussed. The unique life context of patients was also rarely integrated into the care plan. Although relatives were sometimes present during healthcare, and clearly played a supportive role, their perspective was not actively taken into account. The conversation was largely provider-driven, giving patients little say in final decisions. Time constraints reinforced the focus on clinical tasks, and follow-up needs were rarely addressed. Conclusions: By directly observing real-time interactions, this study reveals how psychosocial needs become deprioritized in routine daily healthcare practices despite current insights emphasizing person centered care. Key messages: • Healthcare was predominantly biomedical in focus. While patients’ unique situations were acknowledged, it was rarely acted upon them, and implicit psychosocial concerns often went unnoticed. • To address lived experiences of patients and their relatives, sufficient time, open and sincere communication, and systematic screening for psychosocial issues during care is required.
SN - 1101-1262
SN - 1464-360X
ER -