Evaluating the Effect That Diabetes Education Has on Acute-Care Nurses' Knowledge Level

Abstract

Although there are published inpatient diabetes guidelines, successful implementation is often met with resistance and fear of complications in treated patients. This is often due to a lack of knowledge among healthcare providers and nurses (RNs), which increases the risk of complications, dysglycemia, length of stay and readmissions. Diabetes affects every hospitalization and healthcare organizations need to provide all RNs with the education to reduce the effects of uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes. This project developed a 25-question, multiple choice test to evaluate acute-care RNs knowledge on inpatient diabetes management and was evaluated to determine the validity and reliability of the test. Validity was verified by a certified nurse leader with advanced diabetes management to ensure the questions were within a registered nurses scope of practice and an endocrinologist verified comprehensive inclusion of published inpatient diabetes guidelines across the continuum. The questionnaire was completed by 13 RNs and included a focus on pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, non-insulin agents, insulin, acute complications, nutrition, and sick day management. A paired t-test statistical analysis was conducted to determine the reliability of the questionnaire post-administration of diabetes education to the same group of RNs. The comparison showed an improvement in the overall diabetes knowledge level with a mean score of 79.7%, SD= 3.796, compared to pre-test mean score of 67.38%, SD= 14.86 and t= -3.524, p=0.004. Additional variables evaluated through a two way ANOVA (F[2, 10], f=.931, p=.426) showed no significant effect were the years of experience or level of nursing degree on the overall scores. In order to further strengthen the reliability of the questionnaire, the project should be repeated throughout the organization including all inpatient nursing departments. Additional variables that should be evaluated for effect include nursing unit and type of experience. Disclosure J. Kuchta: Other Relationship; Self; Medtronic MiniMed, Inc..