Outcome of an educational training programme on blood glucose monitoring among nurses in the management of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycemia

Abstract

Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that can lead to an increased length of hospital stay, delayed healing, and exacerbation of co-morbidities with complications arising if not properly managed. Better understanding and maintenance of normal blood glucose by nurses can positively influence care outcomes. The study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge on the management of diabetes and skills in blood glucose monitoring. Material and methods A structured pre- and post-questionnaire was used to assess nurses’ knowledge on the management of diabetes, and a structured checklist was used to assess their skills in blood glucose monitoring. Three hundred and thirty-eight (338) participants directly involved in the provision of care to diabetic patients were randomly selected for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The study revealed that 58.9% of the respondents scored above the mean score of 33.1±3.5 during pre-assessment, which shows they had a good baseline knowledge of blood glucose. A post-intervention finding showed 64.8% scored above the mean score of 36.3±3.1. Assessment of nurses’ knowledge of blood glucose monitoring proficiency showed that 70.1% scored above the mean score of 11.4. Conclusions The educational intervention programme with a practical training session was an effective method of approach for improving blood glucose management among the participants. However, it is recommended that protocols and practice guidelines should be placed at strategic locations, and methods of empowering nurses, such as providing them with equipment needed to sustain this practice, should be heightened.

Keywords

• hypoglycaemia
• hyperglycaemia
• management
• nurses
• blood glucose