Nurse practitioner practice patterns based on standards of medical care for patients with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine to what extent nurse practitioner (NP) practice patterns of diabetes care are consistent with standards of care suggested by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).


METHODS
A descriptive study was conducted to examine practice patterns. A convenience sample of 78 charts was audited, representing a proportionate number of charts for each of the six masters-prepared, certified NPs employed in an ambulatory primary-care center.


RESULTS
Practice patterns related to diabetes care revealed a discrepancy between established standards of care and the degree to which care was documented. All six NPs acknowledged that they became clinically competent to care for patients with diabetes on the job.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this small study suggest that NPs are not consistently following standards of care suggested by the ADA.
Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut 06536-0740.
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JA
Fain
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Melkus
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000451:nursing*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000451:nursing; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000451:nursing; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000517:prevention & control; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D014481:United States; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin