Community nurses and self-management of blood glucose.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is commonly recommended to patients with diabetes, although the rationale for this is unclear. This small research project was designed to explore the reasons why nurses working in the community recommend SMBG. Seven interviews were carried out with community nurses caring primarily for housebound patients. Those interviewed believed that a sound evidence-base supported the recommendation that patients test their blood, but not urine, for glucose levels. Though nurses believed in the importance of patient choice and empowerment, the scope for these was limited among housebound patients. There was no evidence that patients understood how to respond to test results, or that comprehensive care planning was normal practice. Although small, this study suggests that nurses working in community settings may need to update their knowledge. It also suggests that a national debate is necessary to disseminate better the evidence about SMBG, and its implications for nursing practice.
Abbott
S
S
Public Health and Primary Care Unit, St Bartholomew School of Nursing and Midwifery, City University Institute of Heath Sciences. s.j.abbott@citu.ac.uk
Burns
J
J
Gleadell
A
A
Gunnell
C
C
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004739:England; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D018577:Homebound Persons / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011209:Power, Psychological; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires