Testing an analogue game to promote peer support and person-centredness in education for people with diabetes: A realist evaluation

Aim: To explore the outcomes of testing an analogue game to incorporate person-centredness and peer dialogues in group-based diabetes education targeting people with diabetes. Design: Realist evaluation using quantitative and qualitative methods to explore context, mechanisms and outcomes of the intervention. Methods: In March–July 2019, the game was tested among 76 people with type 2 diabetes and 17 professionals in 19 settings across nine Danish municipalities. Data consisted of game tests, interviews and questionnaires. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation and descriptive statistics. Results: Outcomes of using the game were as follows: (a) a playful atmosphere; (b) active engagement; c) reflections on diabetes-specific experiences; (d) focused dialogues; (e) professionals gaining insight into the needs of participants; and (f) professionals experiencing peer dialogue as important to incorporate into education. Questionnaire responses showed that 92% people with diabetes and 94% professionals found that the game incorporated person-centredness and peer dialogues into education.