The use of a standardized teaching program in diabetes education.

A standardized plan for the patient with diabetes has been implemented in our institution to structure the methods and content of diabetic education. To meet the specific needs of each diabetic patient the plan must be individualized by the primary nurse caring for the patient. The plan requires frequent evaluation and revision to update the content and materials used. In our experience, the use of a standardized program for diabetes education has provided primary nurses with a systematic approach to this important facet of nursing care.