A hermeneutic phenomenological study of why adults with type 1 diabetes choose to discontinue CSII

This qualitative study was designed to examine why people with type 1 diabetes choose to discontinue continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). The sample consisted of five adult participants with type 1 diabetes who had already taken the decision to discontinue CSII. Data were collected using audio taped, semi-structured interviews. Tapes were transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (1) the challenges of wearing the pump, (2) lack of control over the pump, body and health, and (3) comparing expectations versus reality. Results are of relevance to people with diabetes, those professionals referring, commissioning and providing a service, and manufacturers.