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Human Resources for Health
Published in: Human Resources for Health 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Care | Review

Does the Diabetes Specialist Nursing workforce impact the experiences and outcomes of people with diabetes? A hermeneutic review of the evidence

Authors: Jessica Lawler, Paul Trevatt, Clare Elliot, Alison Leary

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Objectives

The aim of the hermeneutic review was to identify and clarify the mechanisms by which the Diabetes Specialist Nursing workforce affect the outcomes of diabetes patients, with a focus on those in the United Kingdom. A clarification of diabetes specialist nurses’ work is necessary in understanding and improving diabetes inpatient care.

Design

The design is a hermeneutic evidence review and was part of a wider evaluation of Diabetes Inpatient Specialist Nurses for which the evidence was sourced. The literature search was limited to specialist nursing workforce caring for adults with diabetes. In order to gain global understanding of the impact of specialist nursing in diabetes, worldwide literature was included.

Methods

A hermeneutic literature review of 45 publications was carried out, which included citation analysis. Relevant literature was identified from 1990 to 2018.

Results

Evidence suggests that Diabetes Specialist Nurses educate patients and other healthcare professionals as well as delivering direct care. The outcomes of these actions include a reduced patient length of stay in hospital, reduced inpatient harms and complications, and improved patient satisfaction. Additionally, they are cost-effective.

Conclusions

The Diabetes Specialist Nursing workforce is essential in diabetes care, particularly in hospital settings. They improve patient experience and outcomes.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Does the Diabetes Specialist Nursing workforce impact the experiences and outcomes of people with diabetes? A hermeneutic review of the evidence
Authors
Jessica Lawler
Paul Trevatt
Clare Elliot
Alison Leary
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-019-0401-5

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