Nursing care for patients with diabetes to support their objective self-awareness by certified nurses in diabetes

Abstract

［Purpose］

Self-care for patients with diabetes (PWD) includes monitoring, such as blood glucose self-monitoring. Understanding the meaning of blood glucose level as an objective value is important. However, monitoring poses a psychological burden; thus, nursing care is essential. This study aimed to clarify objective self-awareness of PWD and its nursing care perceived by certified nurses in diabetes (CN).

［Methods］

This study used the qualitative synthesis method, KJ method, to analyze transcript data from semi-structured interviews with 10 CN.

［Results］

CN had a perceived "Difficulty in understanding objective self-awareness of PWD." The attitude of CN was based on "Trying to understand the difficulties and struggles that the patients experience." And CN provided advocacy and created "Nonintrusive supportive relationship" with PWD. Then, CN provide "Approval for PWD to calm down and understand themselves" and "Reflect to recognize PDW's positive qualities themselves and to ensure that they have time to think about themselves." Finaly, nursing care shared an "Understanding of the PWD's changing self-determination throughout the past, present, and future" and "PWD's established personal goals."

［Conclusion］

CN perceived difficulty in understanding objective self-awareness of PWD. The objective self-awareness of PWD is supported by providing an environment in which the patients feel safe and approved and ensuring that they have time for self-reflection and to engage themselves in interactive communication with CN to deepen self-understanding. This care is considered to respect and acceptance of the changes in the patient's decision making.