Nurse’s contribution to the diabetes annual review and funded programmes in Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

AimsExamine trends in nurse’s contribution to diabetes funded programmes,estimate total nurse consultations, and document the division of diabetes care between doctors and nurses in general practice. MethodsAll primary health care nurses in Auckland were identified in 2006-8 and 2016 and 26% and 24% were randomly surveyed, achieving response rates of 86%and 73%, respectively. Participants completed a self-administered and telephone questionnaire detailing their contribution to diabetes funded programmes. ResultsIn response to more people with diabetes, significantly more nurses in 2016 consulted patients, provided follow-up care, completed Diabetes Annual Reviews independently of doctors (48%), accessed more educational resources (including theinternet) and 63% felt supported, compared with 27% and 55% of nurses respectively,in 2006-8. The main reason nurses surveyed did not participate in diabetes reviews was because designated nurses conducted them, with more reporting this in 2016 (55%) compared to 32% in 2006-8. Most nurses in the 2016 survey addressed cardiovascular risk such as blood pressure, smoking cessation, physical activity and nutrition during the review. ConclusionsNurses conducted more diabetes consultations and reviews, addressed cardiovascular risk in 2016 and reported increased support for participating in diabetes reviews within general practice, compared with nurses in 2006-8.