Qualification education of general nurses in diabetology

Abstract

Background: The Czech Republic is one of the countries with the highest incidence and prevalence of diabetes in Europe. The latest data from the Czech Statistical Office from 2018 indicate that the number of people with diabetes mellitus (DM) is around 940,000. A large part of the nursing care for these persons is performed by nurses without relevant specialization in the field of diabetology. Goals: 1. To find if the graduates of the general nursing qualification program have sufficient knowledge of diabetology so that they can provide quality nursing care and education to people with DM; 2. to find whether there is a relationship between the total average number of points of the knowledge test and the type of school, the form of study, the age of the respondents, experience in practice, if the respondents are interested in the field, forms of obtaining information from the field of diabetology, etc. Methods: This is a quantitative research project using a non-standardized questionnaire technique, which included a quasi-standardized objectively scalable verifying didactic test (50 test items). 382 respondents took part in the survey - graduates of General Nurse, full-time and combined forms of programs from two types of schools - universities and colleges. Results: In the test, the respondents scored 0 to 86 points, 30 points on average (from a total of 100 points). The influence on the increase in the total number of test points was reflected in the interest in the field and in the form of obtaining information from the field of diabetology. Age, type of school, form of study, and practical experience have no effect on increasing the total score. Conclusion: The results of our survey indicate insufficient knowledge preparation in the area of nursing care and education in diabetology among the graduates of the general nursing qualification program. Based on this, the question is as to how to provide the nurses with adequate knowledge for quality and safe nursing care for clients with DM. A possible solution is to include the subject of diabetology among the mandatory/optional courses (students must choose from a number of optional courses) within the qualification study with the aim to acquire at least basic knowledge and practical skills in nursing care and education of DM patients.