Applying a Solution-Focused Approach to Life With Diabetes: Insights Gleaned via Twitter.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore responses of people with diabetes (PWD) when exposed to a solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) approach. This approach focuses on solutions rather than the problems and what is desired in life rather than what will not occur.

METHODS: Ten SFBT questions were presented for discussion during 1 hour of a Twitter chat on November 14, 2018, during a World Diabetes Day multiple-hour chat. Verbatim transcripts of Twitter data were downloaded from Symplur Signals LLC. Thirty-two participants from 4 countries created 358 tweets, 118 retweets, and 1.5 million impressions. A qualitative content analysis was then completed.

RESULTS: Five themes emerged regarding the desired future state: more living life, laughter and humor, self-compassion, resilience, and support. There was an overwhelming sense of burden associated with diabetes yet a global feeling of hope, acceptance, and being "capable" to manage diabetes.

CONCLUSION: Employing SFBT, asking future-directed questions with a focus on solutions and the desired state, generated impactful insights around life with diabetes. Diabetes care and education specialists can incorporate SFBT as a tool to focus diabetes care, education, and support in partnership with PWD. Use of SFBT in diabetes demonstrates potential to strengthen resilience and confidence needed to manage this challenging condition.