Impact of a clinical diabetes specialist mentoring programme on type 2 diabetes management among nurses in primary care: a qualitative study
Sara Mustafa
1 , Hamish Crocket 1 , Timothy Kenealy 2 , Rinki Murphy 2 3 , Jo Scott-Jones 4 , Leanne Te Karu 2 , Ryan Paul 1 3 , Lynne Chepulis 1 *
1
2
3
4
Abstract
Management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) occurs predominantly in primary health care in Aotearoa New Zealand. Optimising the delivery of clinical diabetes management by upskilling healthcare professionals can reduce the strain on the healthcare system and improve patient care.
This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the importance of an education programme delivered by a non-physician diabetes specialist on nurses’ knowledge and confidence of T2D management in primary care.
Semi-structured interviews with nurses enrolled in the programme for at least 6 months and their nurse leads across two clinics in the Waikato region were conducted to assess their confidence and knowledge in T2D management, as well as the acceptability of the programme. Transcripts were analysed using quantitative content analysis.
Four nurses and two nurse leads were interviewed, lasting between 15 and 60 min. Nurses reported improved knowledge of diabetes medications and interpreting clinical measures. Nurses also felt more confident in their communication skills with patients, advocating for their patients, and improved patient engagement. Further education was needed on administering diabetes medication, knowledge of medical devices such as continuous glucose monitoring, and understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes.
Self-efficacy and self-reported skills of nurses in T2D management improved following the diabetes mentoring programme. Further research is needed to assess quantitative clinical measures and whether the programme is effective in improving patient health outcomes.
Keywords: clinician interviews, diabetes management, diabetes mentoring, improving diabetes outcomes, nurse education, primary healthcare, specialist diabetes education, type 2 diabetes.
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