The paediatric diabetes specialist nurse and diabetes education in childhood

Aims of the study. The aim of this study was to identify the job title, wor k setting, qualifications and training of the paediatric diabetes specialis t nurse (PDSN) as well as to examine the composition of the multidisciplina ry diabetes team. It also aimed to determine who is involved in diabetes ed ucation and to explore the teaching methods, approaches, tools and material s that the PDSN uses in the educational process. Design and methods. A survey design was used. Questionnaires, which combine d quantitative and qualitative approaches, were sent to 80 participants fro m eight opportunistically selected regions of the United Kingdom (UK). Acce ss to names and addresses was gained through the directory of diabetes spec ialist nurses (DSNs). The selection criteria were nurses working full-time with children with diabetes or having children with diabetes on their casel oads. The overall response rate was 66 (82.5%). Findings. The study findings showed that the majority of the respondents we re based in both hospital and community, held paediatric qualifications and had undertaken further training to prepare as diabetes specialists. Respon dents used a wide range of teaching methods and materials in the educationa l process. A substantial number of individuals and voluntary organizations were also involved in diabetes education. Conclusions. The findings of this study support the belief that the PDSN, a s a member of the multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes team, has a key rol e in the education of children with diabetes and their parents/carers. Howe ver, the importance of the team approach as a whole should not be underesti mated.