Areas Of Knowledge Deficit Research Articles

Determining patient knowledge of direct oral anticoagulants: a questionnaire study

Abstract Introduction There has been a significant increase in the number of patients prescribed Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) (1). One of the advantages of DOACs is reduced need for monitoring compared to warfarin, however less frequent contact with healthcare professionals (HCPs) may contribute to poor patient knowledge leading to negative health consequences. Aim To determine patients’ knowledge on DOACs in the hospital and community pharmacy setting. Methods Participants were recruited from a university hospital and from a convenience sample of community pharmacies. Potential participants were identified by the pharmacist in that setting using the following criteria: age ≥18 years, adequate cognition, DOAC use ≥3 months. Following consent, the participant completed a questionnaire which consisted of participant demographics and questions from the KODOA (The Knowledge of Direct Oral Anticoagulants) questionnaire. Depending on participant preference, they either self-completed the questionnaire or provided oral answers which the researcher documented. Based on previous research (2), a target sample of 40 participants was set. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results 40 participants were recruited; the mean (SD) age was 70.2 years (10.1), with 70% of participants reporting male gender. 62.5% of participants had an indication of atrial fibrillation. Mean (SD) duration of DOAC use was 5.6 years (3.6). Most patients rated their knowledge of their DOAC as moderate (50%) or good (27.5%). The results of the KODOA are presented in the table. The average score achieved by participant was 11.55/15 (± 1.88 SD). Participants scored high in areas such as DOAC indication, frequency of dosing, side-effects, drug interactions and when to seek further help. Areas of knowledge deficits included what to do when patients have forgotten a dose or have taken too much DOAC. Conclusion One limitation of the questionnaire is that the questions are presented in a multiple-choice format and it is possible that participants may have selected the correct answer due to chance. However, overall, participants demonstrated good levels of knowledge of their DOAC therapy. This study has identified areas of knowledge deficits which could be included in patient education when HCPs are counselling patients, when starting their DOAC and continually throughout treatment. References (1) Barry, Michael. Medicines Management Programme: Oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2021 Jul 24]. Available from: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/medicines-management/oral-anticoagulants/oral-anticoagulants-for-stroke-prevention-in-non-valvular-atrial-fibrillation-march-2019.pdf (2) Metaxas C, Albert V, Stahl M, Hersberger KE, Arnet I. Development and validation of a questionnaire to self-assess patient knowledge of direct oral anticoagulants (KODOA-test). Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2018 Jul 20;10:69–77.

Triage Knowledge and Practice and Associated Factors Among Emergency Department Nurses.

ObjectiveThe study aims at assessing the triage knowledge and practices and their associated factors among emergency department nurses employed in King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Saudi Arabia.MethodThe study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design. Data collection was carried out from February 11, 2021, until April 27, 2021. The study included all emergency department nurses who were working in the KFMC during the data collection period and excluded those who were on leave at the time of data collection. A self-reported questionnaire with adequate validity and reliability was used. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Version 25 employing descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation test.ResultsA total of 147 emergency department nurses completed the study. Participants demonstrated generally high levels of triage knowledge and triage practice. However, knowledge deficit and incorrect practice related to some aspects were noted. There were no significant differences in triage knowledge and practice according to participants’ demographics including gender, job title, qualification, emergency nursing training, and previous training in triage (P > 0.05). Most participants (n = 141, 95.9%) had access to their triage systems and the majority (n = 79, 53.7%) utilize triage systems on a daily basis. Half said that only professional nurses performed the triage role (n = 69, 46.9%). There was a significant positive relationship between triage knowledge and practice (r = 0.486, P < 0.01).ConclusionThe respondents had a high level of triage knowledge and practice. However, they have some areas of knowledge deficit and some deficiencies in the conversion of their knowledge into practice. The study recommends the development of further training and education in emergency nursing to address knowledge deficits and incorrect triage practices.

Using Simulation to Measure and Improve Pediatric Primary Care Offices Emergency Readiness.

Emergencies in the pediatric primary care office are high-risk, low-frequency events that offices may be ill-prepared to manage. We developed an intervention to improve pediatric primary care office emergency preparedness involving a baseline measurement, a customized report out with action plans for improvement (based on baseline measures), and a plan to repeat measurement at 6 months. This article reports on the baseline measurement. This baseline measurement consisted of 2 components: preparedness checklists and in situ simulations. The preparedness checklists were completed in person to measure compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement: preparation for emergencies in the offices of pediatricians and pediatric primary care providers, in the domains of equipment, supplies, medication, and guidelines. Two in situ simulations, a child in respiratory distress and a child with a seizure, were conducted with the offices' interprofessional teams; performance was scored using checklists. Baseline measurements were conducted in 12 pediatric offices from October to December 2018. Wide variability was noted for compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations (range = 47%-87%) and performance during in situ simulations (range = 43%-100%). Pediatric primary care office emergency preparedness was found to be variable. Simulation can be used to augment existing measures of emergency preparedness, such as checklists. By using simulation to measure office emergency preparedness, areas of knowledge deficit and latent safety threats were identified and are being addressed through ongoing collaboration.

Knowledge and Coping Strategies Among Patients Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The purposes of this study were to investigate level of knowledge and employed coping strategies, and to examine the relationship between knowledge and coping strategies among persons diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Cross sectional descriptive design was used. A convenience sample of 222 adult patients with diabetes was recruited. Diabetes knowledge test (DKT) and the Diabetes Coping Measure (DCM) were used. The overall knowledge test score was low. Participants achieved higher scores in tackling spirit and diabetes integration coping while avoidance coping strategies had the lowest scores. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and tackling spirit coping and diabetes integration, and a significant negative correlation between knowledge and passive resignation coping. Knowledge among patients with type 2 diabetes was poor. Several areas of knowledge deficits were identified. Efforts to improve knowledge of persons with diabetes need to be continued along with an emphasis on their coping strategies used which require assessment and understanding by health care providers in clinical settings.

Fatigue in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Etiologies and Management.

Fatigue is a burdensome, multidimensional, and multifactorial symptom that is associated with a wide array of chronic illnesses, specifically occurring in nearly 50% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although common, given its subjective nature, physicians often under-recognize and undertreat this debilitating symptom. There are multiple etiologies that can contribute to fatigue in patients with IBD, including disease activity, anemia, medications, psychosomatic symptoms, and alterations to the gut–brain axis. The management of fatigue in IBD can be challenging, as it is often times multifaceted. In this review, we summarize the available tools for the diagnosis and measurement of fatigue, discuss etiologies, and make recommendations for their management. We identify knowledge gaps for the workup and treatment of fatigue and propose an algorithm to aid physicians in the evaluation and management of fatigue in this unique population. However, future research is needed to address several areas of knowledge deficits and improve the management of fatigue in IBD.

Comparison of Survey Modality and Response Rate in Dermatologists’ Perceptions and Opinions of Sunscreens

Background. Survey instruments are valuable tools for research and provide insight into real-world practice and areas of knowledge deficits in ways that traditional observational studies and randomized trials cannot. Despite some experts espousing survey response rates ≥60% as valid, there is no consensus as to what an adequate response rate is for a scientific survey. Furthermore, little is known what effect the interaction of survey administration modality and response rate has on results. Objective. To compare the results of differing survey modalities (which typically feature different response rate ranges). Methods. A validated, 21-item survey assessing perceptions of, recommendations regarding, and usage of sunscreen was distributed to three samples of dermatologists using three different modalities: pen/paper via mail, online via email, and in real-time via an audience response system at a national conference. Results. Response rates varied widely by survey modality (30% mail, 9% email 95% live). However, dermatologists’ responses to individual survey questions were largely consistent across modalities, with a statistically significant difference seen for only three questions (recommending sunscreens based on cosmetic elegance, recommending sunscreens based on photostability, and recommending vitamin D supplementation as a means to avoid sun exposure. Conclusions. In this study evaluating dermatologists’ perceptions of, recommendations for, and personal use of sunscreen, survey results were largely consistent across three different modalities (mail, email, live) despite widely variable response rates, from 9% to 95%. These results suggest that when a scientific survey sample is representative of the target population, minimum response rate and survey modality appear to have negligible impact on results.

Assessment of Northern Jordanian adolescents' knowledge and attitudes towards asthma.

Background Asthma is a chronic illness of the airways that can cause a persistent cough. The illness affects a significant population of young people worldwide and can affect their ongoing quality of life. Aim To explore Jordanian adolescents' knowledge and attitudes to asthma. Method A cross-sectional research design was used with a convenience sample of 302 adolescents from six schools in northern Jordan, who completed a self-reported knowledge and attitude survey. Results Although the adolescents had an adequate knowledge level about asthma, several areas of knowledge deficit were identified and some negative attitudes were demonstrated. No significant association was found between adolescents' level of knowledge and their attitudes to adolescents with asthma. Conclusion Jordanian adolescents need more educational programmes about living with life-changing chronic illnesses such as asthma, and about how the knowledge and positive attitudes of peer groups can normalise the illness for the affected person, enhancing their quality of life.

Assessing information needs on bone health in cancer survivors.

Bone health education and implementation of preventive measures are key to effective management of osteoporosis. We assessed areas of knowledge deficits with respect to bone health in breast and prostate cancer survivors and the preferred source of health information We used a mixed methods approach. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews in breast or prostate cancer survivors receiving hormonal therapy. Responses were independently coded by 2 researchers and explored under 3 content areas: osteoporosis knowledge, behaviors for self-management, and preferred learning tools. Another 20 participants responded to a structured questionnaire that comprised modified versions of the Osteoporosis Knowledge Questionnaire (OPQ) and Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT). The OPQ and OKAT were analyzed as summary scores, and areas of knowledge deficits (i.e., where ≥60% of participants failed to give the right response) were identified. Median age of participants was 67 (range 48-92) and 78% were White. Awareness of osteoporosis was high, but detailed knowledge was low. Bone healthy behaviors perceived by participants as most important include good nutrition, exercising, calcium and vitamin D supplementation and avoidance of falls. The Internet was the most preferred source of information. Areas of knowledge deficit revealed by the OPQ and OKAT included general information, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. There is a desire for information on osteoporosis, specifically tailored for cancer survivors. Good nutrition, supplement intake, exercise, and avoidance of falls were perceived as key behaviors for self-management. The Internet was an important source of information for breast and prostate cancer patients. Implication for Cancer Survivors An educational website addressing the bone health information needs of cancer survivors could effectively improve behaviors for self-management.

Infant Safe Sleep: An Evaluation of Infant Safe Sleep Practices in the Hospital Setting

Newborn Care Poster Presentation Objective To evaluate nurses' knowledge and beliefs about best practices for infant safe sleep. To determine the degree to which the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics'(AAP) for infant safe sleep were modeled and parent education was given by nurses at Hutzel Women's Hospital (HWH). Design Mix methods, qualitative and quantitative descriptive study. Setting Hutzel Women's Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, one of Michigan's largest birthing institutions delivering 5,000 infants each year. Sample The sample included 50 mothers, 50 infants, and 41 nurses. Methods Qualitative and quantitative methods such as structured interviews with mothers (N = 50), observing infants (N = 50) in their cribs, and assessing nurses' (N = 41) beliefs and knowledge about best practices for infant safe sleep using the Infant Safe Sleep Knowledge questionnaire were used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe nurses' beliefs about risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS/SUID) and knowledge about AAP infant safe sleep recommendations. Chi-square analyses were used to examine relationships between nurses' beliefs about SIDS/SUID risk factors and nurses' personal characteristics. Pearson correlations and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to describe relationships between nurses' beliefs and knowledge of AAP infant safe sleep risk practices. Results The nurses were very knowledgeable about the AAP recommendations, and few areas of knowledge deficit were identified. The quantitative observation data and the qualitative data from mothers' comments indicated that nurses modeled best practices and taught parents about infant safe sleep recommendations by strongly encouraging parents to place their infants on their backs. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice Perinatal nurses at HWH teach, model, and reinforce safe sleep practices to new mothers and families during hospitalization and prior to discharge. The nurses' practice is appropriate and is consistent with the AAP infant safe sleep recommendations. Nurses play significant roles in working with families of newborn infants, and they are in key positions to affect rates of sudden infant death syndrome. Hospitals should provide nurses with ongoing continuing education to ensure that they remain current with safe sleep recommendations to educate patients and model safe sleep practices.

Public perception regarding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Relatively little information exists regarding the public's perception of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and their treatment. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the public's understanding of ACL surgery may be incorrect with regard to various aspects of this procedure and to identify issues to emphasize in patient education. This study utilized a forty-three-question survey designed to measure an individual's knowledge base and perception of ACL reconstruction with regard to the anatomy, function, indications, operative technique, risks, recovery time, and overall benefits of the procedure. Eligible individuals were between fifteen and sixty years of age. Study participants were recruited from an academic orthopaedic sports medicine clinic, a collegiate athletic training room, and various public venues. A total of 210 individuals (106 men and 104 women) with a mean age of thirty were surveyed. Educational level of the respondents varied widely. Twenty-seven percent of the respondents were employed in a health-care setting. Sixty-five percent of the respondents rated their ACL knowledge level as "little" or "none." Participants' self-perception of ACL knowledge was highly correlated with their survey scores on questions with a specific correct answer (p &lt; 0.001). Almost one-third thought that surgical treatment involved repair of the torn ligament rather than reconstruction. Over half (56%) of the respondents preferred an autograft for ligament reconstruction, compared with 4% who preferred an allograft. The ability to return to sports after ACL surgery was the most important concern, followed by the risk of developing osteoarthritis. There is wide variability in the lay public's knowledge level of ACL injuries; a substantial number of misguided perceptions were identified. Return to sports and risk for future osteoarthritis following ACL surgery appear to be the most important factors to the lay public. Focusing educational efforts on areas of knowledge deficits may be particularly important for patients of physicians who treat ACL injuries.

Nurse Practitioners' Knowledge, Experience, and Intention to Use Health Literacy Strategies in Clinical Practice

Nurse practitioners' (NPs) knowledge, experience, and intention to use health literacy strategies in practice were investigated using the Theory of Planned Behavior as the theoretical framework. NPs who work in outpatient settings were recruited at a national NP conference. Participants were administered 3 self-report instruments: Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey, Parts I and II; and the Health Literacy Strategies Behavioral Intention Questionnaire. Overall knowledge of health literacy and health literacy strategies was found to be low. Screening patients for low health literacy and evaluating patient education materials were found to be areas of knowledge deficit. Most NP participants used written patient education materials with alternate formats for patient education, such as audiotapes, videotapes, or computer software rarely used. Statistically significant differences were found in mean experience scores between NP level of educational preparation and NP practice settings. The intention to use health literacy strategies in practice was found to be strong. The findings of this investigation offer implications for enhancing NP curriculum and for continuing education opportunities. Increasing NPs' knowledge of health literacy and facilitating the use of health literacy strategies has the potential to change clinical practice and support improved patient outcomes.

Knowledge and Perceptions of HIV-Infected Patients Regarding HIV Transmission and Treatment in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Patient education concerning HIV and antiretroviral (ARV) medications is important for optimal outcomes. The authors assessed the knowledge and perceptions of HIV-infected patients in an ARV education program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Of 185 patients, 64 (35%) receiving ARV medications, nearly 80% correctly answered questions regarding HIV. Correct responses were associated with higher education (P < .05) and longer duration of HIV diagnosis (P < .05). A lack of knowledge was observed in 40% of respondents who believed HIV and AIDS were the same and 70% of respondents who believed ARV medications cured HIV. Greater embarrassment of living with HIV was associated with female gender (P < .05) and lower education (P < .05). Patients were concerned over ARV medication use (27%) and its side effects (38%). The study population's knowledge of HIV/AIDS and ARV medications, perceived stigmatization, and areas of knowledge deficits underscore the need for effective patient education programs addressing poorly understood issues around HIV/AIDS.

Use of the Internet by parents of middle school students: Internet rules, risky behaviours and online concerns

Using the Internet is a daily occurrence for parents and children in today's world. Although they use the Internet differently, many individuals may face online hazards that they may be ill equipped to deal with. To better understand Internet use and online behaviours, a study was conducted with 227 parents of early adolescent (ages 11 to 14 years) middle school students (grades 6, 7 and 8). Four important findings emerged: (1) parents are using the Internet like their children but have different online behaviours; (2) parents have Internet use rules at home; (3) parents are participating in risky Internet behaviours (electronic aggression, intentional online harassment and communication with online strangers); and (4) parents are concerned about their child's online safety, specifically about the exposure to sexually explicit materials and online strangers, but the majority of parents do not know where to report negative or unsafe Internet experiences. Nurses, clinicians, healthcare providers and other professionals can and do provide comprehensive care to families by identifying needs and areas of knowledge deficit. By asking Internet use questions, nurses and other professionals are able to develop plans of care for all family members that will promote Internet safety and healthy lifestyle choices.

Mental health‐related learning needs of clinicians working in Australian emergency departments: A national survey of self‐reported confidence and knowledge

To identify the mental health-related learning needs of doctors and nurses working in Australian EDs. A purpose-designed survey was developed, and face validity was verified by 12 doctors and nurses. A cross-sectional survey of a national sample of nurses and senior doctors (registrars and consultants) working in EDs across Australia was then undertaken. The survey consisted of 130 items and required approximately 20 min for completion. The survey was delivered online through email invitation by the College of Emergency Nurses Australasia or the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. A hardcopy format of the survey was also delivered at a national conference. Mental health presentations that involved a diagnosis of personality disorder, psychosis or behavioural disturbance, and the management of these conditions were patient factors that were considered problematic by up to 46.3% (118/255; 95% CI 40.26-52.40) of doctors and 66.1% (72/109; 95% CI 56.74-74.28) of nurses. Determining care plans, conducting mental status examinations, assessing risk of self-harm, pharmacology for treatment and for chemical restraint, management of patient aggression or violence, and alcohol or drug intoxication were also found to be areas of knowledge deficit. Doctors and nurses reported deficits in confidence and knowledge in tasks and patient presentations that they might frequently be expected to manage. These data can be used to inform future curricula at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Ultimately, this might pave the way for improved care and management of patients with mental health problems presenting to the ED.

Correlates of women's cancer screening and contraceptive knowledge among female emergency department patients

BackgroundLack of knowledge regarding preventive health services for women might impede campaigns to expand these services in the emergency department setting. For 18–55-year-old English-speaking women visiting an urban emergency department, we aimed to: (1) Ascertain their knowledge regarding the applicability, purpose, and recommended intervals of three women's cancer screening and three contraceptive methods; and (2) Determine if patient age, race/ethnicity, medical insurance status, and current or recent usage of these methods are associated with greater or lesser knowledge about them.MethodsEmergency department-based survey on recent or current usage and knowledge about Pap smears, breast self-examinations, mammograms, condoms, birth control, and emergency contraception. Analyses included calculation of summary statistics and creation of multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsOf 1,100 patients eligible for the study, 69.9% agreed to participate. Most of the participants were < age 35, white, single (never married and no partner), Catholic, and had private medical insurance. Participant's recent or current usage of a particular cancer screening or contraceptive method varied by type of method: Pap smear within the past year (69.1%), breast self-exam within the past month (45.5%), mammogram within the past year (65.7% for women age 45–55), condom usage during every episode of sexual intercourse (15.4%), current usage of birth control pills (17.8%), and ever use of emergency contraception (9.3%). The participants correctly answered 87.9% of all survey questions about condoms, 82.5% about birth control pills, 78.5% about breast self-exams, 52.9% about Pap smears, 35.4% about mammograms, and 25.0% about emergency contraception. In multivariable logistic regression models, survey participants who had private medical insurance and those who recently or currently used a given screening or contraceptive method had a greater odds of correctly answering all questions about each cancer screening or contraceptive method.ConclusionAlthough these female ED patients demonstrated strong knowledge on some women's cancer screening and contraceptive methods, there were several areas of knowledge deficit. Women without private medical insurance and those who have not used a particular cancer screening or contraceptive method demonstrated less knowledge. Reduced knowledge about women's cancer screening and contraceptive methods should be considered during clinical encounters and when instituting or evaluating emergency department-based initiatives that assess the need for these methods.

Knowledge of Disease and Health Information Needs of the Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Developing Country

Purpose: This study was performed to have a first-time assessment on the knowledge level of a population of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in a developing country like Iran and to identify their health information preferences. Methods: One-hundred over-18-year-old IBD patients presenting to an outpatient gastroenterology clinic in Tehran from April to November 2004 were asked to complete Persian-translated version of 24-item Crohn's and Colitis Knowledge Score questionnaire (CCKNOW) and an additional questionnaire collecting their favorite disease-related knowledge topics. Results: All of the patients (64 females and 36 males) expressed that they wished to know more about their disease. The cause of IBD and the medications were the most favorite knowledge topics. The mean and median of CCKNOW score of the patients was 4.65 and 4.0 (out of 24). Women showed significantly higher scores than men (p = .006). There was also a weakly positive correlation between the level of education and CCKNOW score (Spearman's r = 0.23, p = 0.02). No significant correlation was found between age, duration of disease, self-estimated level of suffering from disease and CCKNOW score. The highest knowledge deficit was evident in knowledge on IBD complications. Conclusions: Despite the overt inclination of Iranian IBD patients to know more about their disease, their knowledge levels were significantly lower than the IBD patients in developed countries. The more profound knowledge deficit in the area of IBD complications may lead to disastrous aftermaths such as late diagnosis of colorectal cancer induced by prolonged IBD. Vigorous patient education programs for the Iranian IBD patient are suggested focusing on areas of knowledge deficit and their favorite topics.

Knowledge of disease and health information needs of the patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a developing country

This study was performed to have a first-time assessment on the knowledge level of a population of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in a developing country like Iran and to identify their health information preferences. One hundred over 18-year-old IBD patients presenting to an outpatient gastroenterology clinic in Tehran from April to November 2004 were asked to complete Persian-translated version of 24-item Crohn's and Colitis Knowledge (CCKNOW) score questionnaire and an additional questionnaire collecting their favorite disease-related knowledge topics. All of the patients (64 females, 36 males) wished to know more about their disease. The cause of IBD and the medications were the most favorite knowledge topics. The mean and median of CCKNOW score of the patients was 4.65 and 4.0 (out of 24), respectively. Women showed significantly higher scores than men (p=0.006). There was also a weak positive correlation between the level of education and CCKNOW score (Spearman's rho=0.23, p=0.02). No significant correlation was found between age, duration of disease, self-estimated level of suffering from disease, and CCKNOW score. The most severe knowledge deficit was evident in knowledge on IBD complications. Despite the overt inclination of Iranian IBD patients to know more about their disease, their knowledge levels were significantly lower than the IBD patients in developed countries. The more profound knowledge deficit in IBD complications may lead to disastrous aftermaths such as late diagnosis of colorectal cancer induced by prolonged IBD. Vigorous patient education programs for the Iranian IBD patient are suggested focusing on areas of knowledge deficit and their favorite topics.

The Actual and Self-Perceived Knowledge of Diabetes Among Staff Nurses

The actual and self-perceived knowledge of diabetes among staff nurses was evaluated utilizing previously validated and standardized instruments. One hundred twenty-seven staff nurses employed at three university-affiliated community hospitals participated in the study. Actual knowledge was assessed by the Diabetes Basic Knowledge Test (DBKT) and self-perceived knowledge was assessed by the Diabetes Self-Report Tool (DSRT). There was a direct relationship between self-perceived knowledge and number of correct responses on the DBKT. Nurses with a higher level of education performed better than those with fewer years of education. Nurses with fewer years of experience did better than those with greater years of experience. Although some areas of knowledge deficit were identified, we concluded that staff nurses employed at community hospitals are fairly competent in the field of diabetes and have a realistic perception of their knowledge deficiencies. Based on these findings, we believe that it should be possible to design in-service and continuing education programs for nurses to further improve their knowledge in the field of diabetes.