European Diabetes Nursing最新文献

The aim of this study was to explore diabetes specialist nurses' (DSNs') perceptions of their professional role in diabetes care.

Exploratory interviews were used to elicit DSNs' perceptions of their professional role. Twenty-nine DSNs working in 23 primary health care centres in northern Sweden were interviewed in focus groups. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

The DSNs described their profession as encompassing five major roles: ‘expert’, ‘fosterer’, ‘executive’, ‘leader’, and ‘role model’. Challenges interpreted as role ambiguities included feeling uninformed, fragmented, resigned, pressed for time, and self-reproachful.

The profession of DSN was interpreted as multifaceted, with various roles and role ambiguities. Patient-centred care and empowerment, which are recommended in diabetes care, can be difficult to achieve when DSNs experience role ambiguity.

Lack of clarity about role demands and difficulty in reconciling different roles may have a negative impact on DSNs' attitudes in clinical encounters and could inhibit patient-centred care. The development of the DSN profession requires improved awareness of the DSN's professional role in the clinical encounter, not only to improve the care of patients with diabetes, but also to retain these professionals. Copyright © 2012 FEND. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The similarities between the Olympic competitors and the competitors in diabetes care can be easily seen in this issue of EDN. One of the essential qualities of a great athlete is a belief in his or her own ability. Boström et al. study the extent wherein diabetes nurses in Sweden perceive their professional role in diabetes care. Olsen et al. present their findings on the perceived knowledge of diabetes among personnel practising in municipal care. The object of athletes should be to perform to the best of their ability. Thabit et al. describe the individual components of the artificial pancreas and aim to highlight existing clinical evidence from studies performed on available artificial pancreas prototypes. Most athletes perform better in front of a crowd. Jutterström et al. throw light on turning points in self-management described by people with type 2 diabetes. Every athlete has to struggle against difficulties such as injuries and defeats. Peter Schwarz briefly describes how the message of IMAGE gets translated to clinical practice and invites you to register for free on the international network ‘Who is active in diabetes prevention’. The Olympic spirit is shown when spectators applaud all the competitors, not just the winners. To this end we should all give ourselves a pat on the back for the hard work and dedication we commit to diabetes care.

One important difference, however, is that most Olympic athletes take part once every four years, while people with diabetes and health care professionals participate every day.

Both Gillian Hood and I have decided to retire as Co-editors of EDN. We have done our best and do thank: you, the readers of EDN, for your contributions; FEND for providing us with the opportunity to take part in the editorial challenge; and the John Wiley & Sons publishing team for their continuous support. Last but not least we wish Angus Forbes and Magdalena Annersten-Gershater lots of fun and success as the new Co-editors of EDN.

Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented among people who have impaired glucose tolerance by use of lifestyle interventions or medication – as shown by major clinical trials of diabetes prevention. However, it is a completely different issue to translate this message, derived from the lifestyle trials, to clinical practice.1 We are still learning how this challenge may be achieved at a population level. Optimally, every person with diabetes risk has the chance of having access to any kind of diabetes preventative initiative.2

Two European funded projects, DE-PLAN3 and IMAGE,4 have been addressing the implementation process. In particular, the IMAGE project was able to take a step ahead and to collate available information in a systematic manner, and developed practical, relevant standards for diabetes prevention.

Health care systems around the world are being stretched by pressing needs to cater for populations that are becoming more and more overweight and obese. Obesity is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates and, although dietary and lifestyle advice can help some, bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular option in the treatment armamentarium. Gastric banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are used routinely across Europe to treat obese patients despite recognised complications that can result from the procedure. The beneficial effects of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes are well documented with a significant number of people reporting an improvement in their condition following surgery. A number of clinical trials are now underway to study the health care benefits of offering bariatric surgery to adolescents and also to people with a lower BMI.

The role of the diabetes specialist nurse is becoming increasingly important as multidisciplinary teams form to take care of these patient cohorts both pre- and post-surgery and in their long-term follow-up care. © 2012 FEND. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.