Trends in the primary health care nursing workforce providing diabetes care in Auckland, New Zealand: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

AimsTo describe trends from 2006–8 to 2016 in demographic, education and work settings of the primary health care nursing workforce who provide diabetes care in the Auckland region. MethodsA total of 1416 practice, Accident and Medical, district and diabetes specialist nurses were identified who provide community-based care. Of those, 459 were randomly selected and 336 were interviewed in 2016, and were compared with 287 nurses interviewed in 2006–8. ResultsA 73% response rate was attained in 2016. Compared with nurses in 2006–8, primary health care nurses in 2016 were younger, less experienced, more likely to be Asian, undertook more post-graduate education, worked more in Accident and Medical Clinics and worked in larger practices with ≥4 doctors. However, less worked with a dietitian or received visits from specialist nurses compared with nurses in 2006–8. Significantly more nurses in 2016 had their own room for administrative work and the ability to email patients suggesting greater autonomy. ConclusionsMajor demographic, educational and workplace changes have occurred in the Auckland primary health care nursing workforce from 2006–8 to 2016. A significant increase in practice nurses and a large decrease in the number of diabetes specialist nurses were evident, in the Auckland region.