Background: People with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have unique health care requirements that necessitate supported self-management for optimal health. The extent in which current ambulatory services fulfill consumer needs and expectations is poorly defined.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of patients with T1DM receiving care through diabetes ambulatory health services. The study also identified opportunities for greater patient-centred care by gaining a prioritised consumer perspective of optimal health service delivery.

Methods: 35 patients with T1DM participated in focus groups whereby prompt words (such as ‘living with diabetes’, ‘having confidence’, ‘going to clinic’, ‘choosing treatment’, ‘understanding diabetes’, ‘the future’) were used to stimulate an open forum of sharing stories and brainstorming options for health service delivery and to prioritise service options deemed most important or desirable. Thematic analysis of the transcripts identified themes that described participants’ priorities for future clinic design and function.

Results: Partnerships with health care professionals were highly valued and influenced participants’ confidence in treatment choices and self-management. All-inclusive centralised specialist centres were the preferred point of care. Participants reported that support for emotional issues associated with diagnosis and stigmatisation were a high priority, and ongoing assistance with coping strategies were desired. Time since diagnosis was not perceived as influencing knowledge, understanding or confidence in T1DM management, and participants felt that in-depth education courses should be accessible to all patients and families. Participants also felt that diabetes services should differentiate unique aspects of T1DM from other diabetes types, and facilitate a welcoming community of people living with T1DM linking to support groups. Participants welcomed the prospect of greater flexibility of clinic access, including an online portal to independently choose and change the frequency of appointments, access information and health professional expertise, and download personal health data from self-monitoring technologies.

Conclusion: Consumer vision for future health care provision provides rich insight into the perceived influences on effective diabetes care, highlighting opportunities for service delivery design to strategically enhance ‘patient-centred’ care.