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Education, education and more education!
This study explored the difficulties encountered by a group of twelve nurses, qualified for an average of nine and a half years, from two medical and two surgical wards, when implementing diabetes education, using a qualitative method to gain insight into their feelings and perceptions.
Abstract
This study explored the difficulties encountered by a group of twelve nurses, qualified for an average of nine and a half years (9 months-24 years), from two medical and two surgical wards, when implementing diabetes education. A qualitative method, the semi-structured interview, was used to gain insight into their feelings and perceptions. The findings were discussed in the light of current literature and the opportunities for changes in professional practice considered. The study showed that, although eight nurses had undertaken postgraduate courses in diabetes and attended diabetes updates, there was still evidence of lack of confidence and the need for further education. The nurses described their role on the ward as multifaceted, with many responsibilities. They were not confident to take sole responsibility for the teaching of their patients with diabetes, without the support and supervision of the Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN). The establishment of link nurses, given regular access to the DSN, was suggested as a possible solution. Nurses need continuous updating and contact with the DSN to enable them to implement diabetes education appropriately.