The role related attitudes of physicians, nurses, and dieticians in the treatment of diabetes.

The treatment of diabetes requires role changes for physicians, nurses, dieticians, and patients. The nature of diabetes care results in a diffusion of responsibility for care from physicians to nurses, dieticians, and patients. This responsibility for diabetes treatment is often carried out under the rubric of team care. This study indicates that physicians, nurses, and dieticians with a special interest in diabetes are supportive of their own roles but that physicians tend to see themselves being in charge of diabetes care while nurses and dieticians value patient autonomy more.