Experiences and needs of individuals living with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Objective This study synthesises qualitative literature on the lived experiences of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) during their illness, aiming to help healthcare professionals understand patients’ emotional perspectives and perceived needs, thereby facilitating the development of more effective medical interventions. Methods The Joanna Briggs Institute meta-synthesis method was used to analyse the 10 included qualitative studies. Results By synthesising the original studies, four themes and 11 subthemes were extracted, comprehensively analysing patients’ symptom experiences, physical-psychological-social impacts, self-management strategies, and needs. Conclusion Healthcare professionals should emphasise foot care education, understand the connotations of self-compassion and pain catastrophizing, and develop individualised interventions for different populations to enhance patients’ self-care abilities and improve their wellbeing. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251051721 , Unique Identifier: CRD420251051721.