A Measure of Treatment Satisfaction Designed Specifically for People with Insulin‐dependent Diabetes

Abstract

The psychometric properties of a diabetes‐specific treatment satisfaction scale were examined with responses from 128 adults with insulin‐dependent diabetes who had used one of three treatment options for a period of 12 months. The reliability of the seven‐item measure was found to be satisfactory (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.76) and factor analyses indicated three useful sub‐scales (Perceived General Management; Perceived Compatibility with Lifestyle; Perceived Frequency of Hypo/hyperglycaemia). Use of the treatment satisfaction measure in a feasibility study of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) demonstrated the measure's ability to distinguish between three treatment groups (CSII, intensified conventional therapy and conventional therapy). People choosing to use CSII reported significantly greater improvements in satisfaction than those choosing either form of conventional therapy (F = 36.6; df 2, 125; p<0.001). If used in conjunction with measures of blood glucose control, the Treatment Satisfaction measure offers the opportunity for a more holistic appraisal of outcomes in studies evaluating and comparing treatments for insulin‐dependent diabetes.