Practice nurses’ role and knowledge about diabetes management within rural and remote Australian general practices

Authors

  • R Livingston
  • T Dunning

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1002/edn.158

Keywords:

Practice nurses, diabetes, rural, knowledge, role

Abstract

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity represents a significant disease burden in Australia. Practice nurses (PNs) play an important role in diabetes education and management.

Aim: To explore PNs’ roles, knowledge and beliefs about diabetes education and management in rural and remote general practice in Australia.

Method: Exploratory study undertaken in three phases: 1) Pilot study to test the performance of the questionnaire; 2) One-shot cross-sectional survey using self-complete questionnaires; 3) Individual interviews.

Results: Ten PNs completed the pilot test; the draft questionnaire was deemed appropriate to the study purpose. Then, 65 questionnaires were distributed to PNs and 21 responded. Fourteen respondents had worked in the role <5 years, and most PNs attended diabetes education programmes in their workplace. A minority (40%) used diabetes management guidelines regularly. Most knew obesity to be the most common risk factor for diabetes but only 50% knew that glycosylated haemoglobin indicates blood glucose levels over the preceding three months. Self-reported competency to assess patients’ self-care practices and medication management practices varied.

Conclusion: PNs’ diabetes management was self-reported; their knowledge varied and their perceived benefits of diabetes education differed from those of patients.

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Published

2010-08-01

How to Cite

Livingston, R., & Dunning, T. (2010). Practice nurses’ role and knowledge about diabetes management within rural and remote Australian general practices. International Diabetes Nursing, 7(2), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn.158

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Section

Research Article