Bridging the Gap Between Diabetes Care and Mental Health: Perspectives of the Mental health IN DiabeteS Optimal Health Program (MINDS OHP)

Abstract Background and Objective Mental health problems are highly prevalent in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), which adversely impacts physical health and quality of life. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the experiences of adults with T1DM toward the Mental health IN DiabeteS Optimal Health Program (MINDS OHP), a novel intervention developed to bridge the gap between physical and mental health care.Method We conducted semi-structured interviews among adults with T1DM. Participants were recruited from outpatient and community settings and invited to be interviewed face-to-face or in a focus group. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was used and identified themes were cross-validated by researchers and member-checked by participants.Results Ten people with TIDM were included. Two key themes emerged: ‘MINDS OHP experiences’ and ‘lived experiences of diabetes’. MINDS OHP experiences included five sub-themes: program benefits, follow-up and timing, suggested improvements, collaborative partners, and materials suitability. Lived experiences also included five sub-themes: bridging the gap between mental and physical health, support networks, stigma and shame, management intrusiveness, and adolescence and critical life points.Conclusions Recommendations for the MINDS OHP for people with T1DM are made for improved targeting in regard to early intervention, and expansion to include families. Consideration should also be given to the routine inclusion of such a program in diabetes management in primary care.