Including Patient’s Experience in the Organisation of Care: The Case of Diabetes

Abstract

Innovation is an important topic in healthcare studies with a large focus on technologies, practices and organisational arrangements. However, the increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes requires new forms of collaboration and organisation that challenge the traditional boundaries of care. Based on a qualitative study of individuals with diabetes, we describe the experiences of patients with their disease, and also the impacts on relationships with their families and friends, other health professionals, as well as with other patients. We show that including patients’ experiences in a better way stretches the traditional boundaries of healthcare pathways, which requires openness and flexibility. Results are described and then discussed.JEL Codes: O350