| Summary |
The purpose of this study was to describe the use of the telephone communications between diabetes nurse educators (DNE's) and their clients with diabetes. A questionnaire was designed to examine the use of the telephone with diabetic clients as perceived by the DNE's. A total of 465 DNE's across the United States were selected using a systematic sample from the American Association of Diabetes Educators membership directory. A total of 247 (41%) questionnaires were completed and returned. Ninety-one percent of DNE's reported using the phone with clients and averaged 15 phone calls per week. Over ninety percent frequently reported topics of the phone interchanges were home blood glucose monitoring, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, insulin use, and diet. Analysis of telephone users showed that DNE experience, diabetes certification, and workplace city size were significant factors in the differences seen in the reported topics discussed over the telephone. DNE experience, diabetes certification, education, workplace setting, and workplace city size were significant factors in reported telephone interventions. A variety of topics and interventions related to diabetes self-management is the focus of these communications which are reported to be of help to the diabetes clients. The significant differences according to education, experience, and workplace suggest that guidelines for telephone contact with diabetes clients might be indicated. These guidelines might be particularly helpful to novice DNE's. Basic nursing programs should incorporate the use of the telephone as a means of achieving nursing goals. The impact on diabetes self-management by the use of the telephone with diabetes clients needs to examined. |
