CSII and MDII for intensive diabetes management: impact perceptions of older adult patients and their significant others.

PURPOSE:To investigate impacts of multiple daily insulin injections (MDII) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) on disease management and patient lifestyle by patients and significant others (SOs). HYPOTHESES:Older patients (>50 years) and their SOs will perceive differences in satisfaction between CSII and MDII impact on diabetes management and lifestyle. METHODS:Patient and paired SO completed parallel instruments framed by sociotechnical systems theory and the life patterns model. Alpha = .901-.940. RESULTS:Whites reported greater satisfaction with CSII and non-Whites with MDII. Both reported increased independence. CSII scored significantly higher than MDII. Age did not reduce positive impacts. CSII enhanced independence of SOs but 38.6% of SOs did not know how to suspend CSII for hypoglycemia; 47.3% of patients believed SOs would not know. CONCLUSIONS:Neither age nor diabetes type contraindicate using CSII in older patients. CSII is perceived more impactful on disease management and lifestyle. Education of SOs needs emphasis.