Journal of Professional Nursing

Nurse Perceptions of the Diabetes Get Checked Programme

Jill Clendon, TN, PhD, Nursing Policy Adviser/Researcher, New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Nelson, New Zealand
Jenny Carryer, RN, PhD, Professor of Nursing, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Leonie Walker, PhD, Researcher, New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Wellington, New Zealand
Vicky Noble, RN, BA (Hons), MA (Appl), Director of Nursing, Capital and Coast DHB, Wellington, New Zealand
Rosemary Minto, RN, NP, MHPrac (Hons), Adult Family Nurse, Katidati Medical Centre, KatiKati, New Zealand
Rachael Calverley, RN, BSc (Hons), MN, Director of Nursing, Waitemata PHO, Albany, New Zealand
Deborah Davies, RN, MPhil, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Primary Health Care, Mid Central DHB, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Hilary Graham-Smith, RN, BN, BSoc Sc (Hons)., PGDipPH, Associate Professional Services Manager, New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Wellington, New Zealand

Reference:  Clendon, J., Carryer, J., Walker, L., Noble, V., Minto, R., Calverley, R., ... Graham-Smith, H., (2013). Nurse Perceptions of the Diabetes Get Checked Programme. Nursing Praxis in New Zealand, 29(3), 18-30.

Abstract:

Abstract

Aim: The Diabetes Get Checked programme provided a free annual diabetes check to people diagnosed with diabetes.  The aim of the present study was to ascertain the impact this programme had on the practice of nurses; identify factors that nurses consider contributed to the success or failure of the programme in their work setting; and to elicit nurses’ suggestions for future improved management and outcomes for people with diabetes.
Method: An observational study utilising an online survey was undertaken. A total of 748 people completed the survey the majority being nurses. Data were analysed descriptively.Results: The Diabetes Get Checked programme was shown to have had a substantial impact on the practice of nurses, enabling the development of new models of nursing care, improved educational levels among nurses (and doctors), improved confidence in the management of diabetes, and increased satisfaction in their work. Nurses in the study suggested future interventions and programmes designed to support people with diabetes. These include implementation of a multi-disciplinary wrap-around approach, enhanced case management and self-management, implementing direct funding for nurse-led services, and improving population-based approaches such as policy changes and social marketing.
Discussion: The study sought nurse’s perspectives with regard to a recently terminated programme designed to provide care to people with diabetes. It identified areas that worked well in programme implementation and those that could be improved. These findings provide useful information for funders and planners developing new programmes designed to support people with diabetes.

Keywords
Diabetes, nurses, New Zealand, primary health care

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