Development of a structured diabetes self-management education program specific to the cultural and ethnic population of New Zealand

Trends in diabetes care and education by primary health care nurses in Auckland, New Zealand

AIMS

To examine trends in the management of patients with diabetes by primary health care nurses, its association with diabetes education and how valued and supported nurses feel in Auckland, New Zealand.

METHODS

Two representative cross-sectional surveys of all nurses providing community-based care, and patients with diabetes they consult, were conducted in 2006-8 and 2016. All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on biographical details and a telephone interview on their provision of diabetes care.

RESULTS

Significantly more nurses discussed serum glucose and medications with patients, planned follow-up and scheduled practice nurse appointments in 2016 compared with 2006-8, and fewer specialist diabetologist appointments were made (12% versus 2%). Fewer nurses in 2016 than in 2006-8 felt valued (62% versus 75%) and supported (78% versus 89%) when managing patients (p-values = 0.0004). Nurses diabetes education was associated with recommended practice and feeling valued. Significantly more patients were prescribed metformin (81%) and insulin (46%) in 2016 compared with 58% and 30% in 2006-8. Despite this, HbA_1c levels remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Prescribed glycaemic-related medications increased, and more nurses engaged with patients about glycaemic control and medications in 2016 compared with 2006-8. Nurses undertaking diabetes education was strongly associated with best management practices and nurses feeling valued.

Self-management action and motivation of Pacific adults in New Zealand with end-stage renal disease

AIMS

To explore actions and motivations for self-management practices of Pacific adults following diagnosis of end stage renal disease (ESRD).

METHODS

Focused ethnography using in-depth interviews with 16 Pacific people on haemodialysis for diabetic ESRD, in Auckland, New Zealand. Study participants were of Samoan, Cook Islander, Tongan, Niuean, or Tokelauan ethnicity and aged between 30 to 69 years old. Thematic analysis was used to code and identify emergent themes.

RESULTS

All participants assumed active responsibility for their self-management following their diagnosis of ESRD. They reported positive differences in their current self-management behaviours, compared to pre-ESRD diagnosis. In the face of their terminal diagnosis, participant's motivations to self-manage their health were fuelled by hope; the hope to live long enough to change their family legacy of diabetes and ESRD. To achieve this, there was a dependency upon family members as a resource for self-management support. Yet at the same time, family members also had health concerns (including diabetes), and several participants themselves were carers for sick or elderly family members.

CONCLUSION

The growing number of members (within family units) progressing from moderate to late-stage diabetes raises concerns about the sustainability of future family support in Pacific families in New Zealand with histories of diabetes, ESRD, and other chronic diseases. While the burden upon informal carers (family) has been well documented throughout the past few decades, the dynamics of bi-directional carer support between (two or more) sick family members and their families have had less exposure. This has potentially significant implications for Pacific peoples in New Zealand, considering the increases in diabetes prevalence within their families.