ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the subjective experiences of patients with diabetes regarding received counseling. This thesis was done in cooperation with a southern Finnish hospital where counseling was given to patients about diabetes as a project in 2014–2015. The study includes a qualitative study of diabetes patients about their experiences. The aim of this study was to produce any new information by means of which the diabetic patient guidance could be improved to meet the needs of patients with diabetes.

The data were collected by using the qualitative method. The data was collected at two sampling occasions, using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

According to the results, the majority of the patients participating in the study was satisfied. The patients felt that guidance is useful and necessary. The patients felt that they received guidance information in a versatile manner and the information obtained was of importance in treating. The diabetic patients were hoping for a similar control to continue in the future. The investigation revealed that the patients hoped for further control visits if they so wished. The hospital may utilize the results of the thesis in their diabetes counseling.