Improving the Diabetes Knowledge in Nurses Using Innovative Tools

Purpose:
Diabetes Mellitus affects an estimated 23.6 million people in the US and is the 7th leading cause of death. The aim of this project is to improve the diabetes outcomes of veterans at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks by increasing the diabetes knowledge of nurses using innovative tools.

Significance:
Nurses play a pivotal role in in preventing and delaying the complications of diabetes. Furthermore, patient education effectiveness is determined by the accuracy of the information provided by nurses, and studies have demonstrated a positive effect of nurses' education on diabetes outcomes.

Strategy and Implementation:
This evidence-based practice change project will implement a diabetes education intervention utilizing innovative teaching tools. Four tools will be used: a demographic form; the Diabetes Conversation Map; the Diabetes Go-To-Guide; and the Diabetes Basic Knowledge Test (DBKT). The Diabetes Conversation Map is a set of four maps that can be utilized to educate groups of ten, or individually, about diabetes, nutrition, medication, complications of diabetes, and glucose monitoring. The Diabetes Go-To-Guide is an interactive, online tool that utilizes animation and audio in a book format. These tools are an example of a multi-faceted approach to diabetes education, which allow adults to learn through active participation. The diabetes knowledge of the nurses will be measured with the DKBT, a 52-question, multiple-choice questionnaire. Socio-demographic variables such as age, education, years of professional experience, and perceived diabetes competence will also be collected.

Evaluation:
Preliminary data reveal an increase in the nurses' diabetes knowledge. The DBKT will be administered before and after the education intervention. A six and nine week post intervention test utilizing the DBKT will be administered to the nurses to determine if knowledge is retained.

Implications for Practice:
More studies are needed to demonstrate that nurses are capable of providing effective and cost-effective diabetes care. The collaboration between clinical practice, education, and research in the update of diabetes knowledge for nurses should ensure success with implications for patient outcomes.