Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD): survey of specialist diabetes care services in the UK, 2000. 2. Workforce issues, roles and responsibilities of diabetes specialist nurses.

AIM

To examine the provision and role of diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs), and the content of patient education programmes in the UK.

METHOD

A postal survey of secondary care providers of diabetes services in the UK in 2000.

RESULTS

Following two reminders, a 77% response rate demonstrated 2.5 (median) whole time equivalent DSNs per 250 000 population, with only 13% of centres meeting the recommended staffing level of four per 250 000 population. The vast majority carried out work both in hospital and in the community, the proportion a reflection of who employed and managed staff. There was a wide variation in the qualifications required and the nursing gradings of DSNs, and regional variation in the number of grade I nurses, with the greatest proportion based in the South-east of England. The vast majority (96%) provided patient education, and where it existed (in 60% of responses), were the major providers of a patient help line (90%). Although key providers of patient education, there had been no specific education for this task in over 20% of responses. There was broad consistency in the topics covered at educational sessions, although advice on footwear (76%) and home urine glucose monitoring (73%) were least frequently documented. The issuing of literature and cards for patient use was also very variable. Over 25% of bids for diabetes service improvement were for additional DSNs, but only 48% of these were successful.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been an improvement in staffing levels of DSNs over the last 10 years but the numbers are many fewer than recommended in national strategy documents, with evidence that despite expansion being given a high profile, such efforts are often unsuccessful. There was also evidence of considerable variation in the qualifications and gradings of DSNs throughout the UK and indeed in their day-to-day roles, and the content of patient education programmes. This suggests the need for a nationally co-ordinated approach to training and recruitment.