'I need someone to believe in me and walk the journey with me': A qualitative analysis of preferred approaches to weight management discussions in clinical care among adults with type 2 diabetes

Aims To explore the preferences of adults with type 2 diabetes regarding the approach to weight management discussions in clinical care. Methods Online survey of Australian adults with type 2 diabetes, recruited via a national diabetes registry. Three open-ended questions explored participants' experiences and ideal approach to discussing weight management with health professionals. Data subjected to inductive thematic template analysis. Results Participants were 254 adults, 58% aged 60+ years, 52% women and 35% insulin-treated. Five themes were developed to categorise participants' preferences for, as well as differing experiences of, weight management discussions: (1) collaborative, person-centred care: working together to make decisions and achieve outcomes, taking personal context into consideration; (2) balanced communication: open, clear messages encouraging action, empathy and kindness; (3) quality advice: knowledgeable health professionals, providing specific details or instructions; (4) weight management intervention: suitable modalities to address weight management and (5) system-wide support: referral and access to appropriate multi-disciplinary care. Conclusions Participants expressed preferences for discussing weight management in collaborative, person-centred consultations, with quality advice and personalised interventions across the health system, delivered with empathy. By adopting these recommendations, health professionals may build constructive partnerships with adults with type 2 diabetes and foster weight management.