Abstract:
BACKGROUND : In South Africa, initiating and managing insulin in primary care for people
living with type 2 diabetes (PLWD) is a major challenge. To address these challenges, a
multidisciplinary team from the University of Pretoria (South Africa) developed the Tshwane
Insulin project (TIP) intervention.
AIM : To determine internal and external factors, either facilitators or barriers, that could
influence the implementation of the TIP intervention and propose strategies to ensure
sustainability.
SETTING : Tshwane District, Gauteng province, South Africa.
METHODS : We used the SWOT framework to qualitatively analyse the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats influencing the implementation of the TIP intervention. Four field
researchers and three managers from the TIP team participated in an online group discussion.
We also conducted semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers (HCPs) (seven
nurses, five doctors) and patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 13).
RESULTS : Regardless of the identified weaknesses, the TIP intervention was accepted by PLWD
and HCPs. Participants identified strengths including app-enabled insulin initiation and
titration, pro-active patient follow-up, patient empowerment and provision of glucose
monitoring devices. Participants viewed insulin resistance and the attitudes of HCPs as
potential threats. Participants suggested that weaknesses and threats could be mitigated by
translating education material into local languages and using the lived experiences of insulintreated patients to address insulin resistance. The procurement of glucose monitoring devices
by national authorities would promote the sustainability of the intervention.
CONCLUSION : Our findings may help decision-makers and health researchers to improve insulin
management for PLWD in resource-constrained settings by using telehealth interventions.
