Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus, a survey of registered nurses -

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is considered one of the major health concerns threatening the world’s population in this modern age. Self-care is a key component of diabetes management and is best achieved through patient education. Since the role of the diabetes nurse educator is still not well-defined, and the structured diabetes educational programs are still scarce in Lebanon; the burden of patient education falls on the bedside nurses. The aim of this study was to assess the Registered Nurses’ diabetes related knowledge at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in order to identify knowledge gaps that would potentially impact the care and education rendered to diabetic patients.A descriptive study design was used for this cross sectional survey. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to the nurses working on the adult medical, surgical, obstetrics, and gynecology units at AUBMC.A total of 67 nurses participated in this study, making a 43.5percent response rate. The mean score for all nurses on the DBKT was 22.64 (SD 6.04). None of the bivariate associations were statistically significant as knowledge score was not associated with the years of experience, educational preparation, attendance of diabetes in-service session. There was no relationship between the nurses’ knowledge score and perceived competence.The findings suggest knowledge deficit related to important dimensions pertaining to Diabetes Mellitus nursing care. The survey provides evidence of the need for continuous diabetes knowledge assessment and professional development initiatives targeting nurses in acute care settings developing continuing education programs.